Modern Age - Fall 2016 - 58

MODERN AGE

FALL 2016

that Rubashov discovers what he calls variously the "I," the "silent
partner," or the "grammatical fiction." It is this entity that is
responsible for his recounting of the events surrounding Arlova.
He "gradually became convinced that there was a thoroughly tangible component in this first person singular, which had remained
silent through all these years and now had started to speak" (110).
So Rubashov has gained a new perspective on his past activities
in the service of the Party. The "grammatical fiction" has caused
him to see his role in the death of Arlova in a new light-he is
forced to confront his guilt. And he even receives encouragement
for his defiance of Ivanov's request for confession from someone
on the outside. "Die in silence" tells Rubashov that his silent death
would, in fact, speak volumes. There are people outside who
would understand it and appreciate his deed.
His partial retreat from his initial refusal is only intelligible when
we consider Rubashov's diary. Ivanov's strategy of improving his
prisoner's condition and giving him the time and space to think
seems to be working. In his diary entry after his first interrogation,
Rubashov is precise and clear in his account of why the revolutionary ethics of his movement are distinct from its competitors and
predecessors. Others have been ruthless and Machiavellian-
only the Party, though, has served universal, historical reason.
This movement is the only one in accord with history's iron laws
of movement-this logic is the only one that may dictate action.
Therefore all "cricket-moralists" who cling to traditional ethics
must be overcome. Rubashov writes, "Each wrong idea we follow
is a crime committed against future generations. Therefore we
have to punish wrong ideas as others punish crimes" (100).
The will and strength to act can come only from one's confidence-one's faith even-that one's understanding of history's
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Modern Age - Fall 2016

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Modern Age - Fall 2016

Contents
Modern Age - Fall 2016 - Cover1
Modern Age - Fall 2016 - Cover2
Modern Age - Fall 2016 - Contents
Modern Age - Fall 2016 - 2
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