TOW #2: The Communist Manifesto (First Section) (Written)

*I only read the opening and first section for my TOW, as the Manifesto in its entirety is significantly longer than normal TOW-length.

In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published the Communist Manifesto, aiming to establish a platform for the Communist League, and more importantly through that to convince the international proletarian community of their necessary role in the worldwide revolution against capitalism. The first section speaks of the history of the bourgeois class, particularly as it relates to the further oppression of the proletariat. With the now-famous line, “A specter is haunting Europe—the specter of communism,” Marx and Engels begin the rhetorical approach to their communist ideology.

        From the first line, a reader of the Manifesto is intrigued. The sinister implications of a ghostly figure “haunting” Europe arouse curiosity, as communism in these words seems to be condemned, not endorsed. Within the first few paragraphs, the question is answered with a logical argument: Communism is recognized (and feared) by all of the great powers of Europe as a power itself. Therefore, it is time to “meet this nursery tale of the specter of communism with a Manifesto of the party itself.” The rationale expressed can hardly be questioned, as to define one’s ideals to alleviate or confirm the fears of another can be naught but beneficial to all.

        The first section begins with an equally moving line: “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” It ignites a reader’s curiosity for the following section pertaining to the formation of the bourgeoisie and the eternal oppression of the proletariat, and throughout which Marx and Engels employ basic rhetorical devices to rally readers to the communist cause.

        “The bourgeoisie,” say Marx and Engels, “has stripped of its halo every occupation hitherto honored and looked up to with reverent awe.” This grandiose metaphorical implication is loaded with emotional appeal. The idea that certain professions might have formerly been revered, but due to bourgeois capitalism have been corrupted, creates empathy for the communist motivation. The removal of a halo implies destruction of innocence, the rape or exploitation professions. Given that they refer often to the exploitations of capitalism, speaking of resources, markets, and labor forces, the impact of the personifying metaphor is enhanced.

Throughout the text, the supposed maleficence of bourgeois capitalism is implied numerous times through comparisons, such as to sorcery. However, the authors of the Manifesto do not rely upon pathos alone to achieve their goals. They additionally provide an explicit history of the bourgeoisie, which is seemingly accurate, though ridden with choice diction holding negative connotations. Thus, they establish their credibility through detailed knowledge of history, particularly that of the class struggle. Through these uses of rhetoric, Marx and Engels appear to be successful in their purpose. Historically, however, the power of their words would not directly precipitate action for decades to come.