It is splendid
To take up the word as a weapon in the class war
To rouse the masses to the fight in a loud and ringing voice
To crush the oppressors
To free the oppressed.
In this passage, proclaimed by the Control Chorus in response to the banning of certain written works, these individuals ponder how the written word can be an incredibly powerful weapon—perhaps more powerful than traditional weapons of gunpowder and fire. In this face of Communism and oppression, this passage serves as a moralistic reminder that, even though one may not physically be able to fight against oppression, they can use words—both written and verbal—to combat tyrannical regimes. In other words, this passage serves to remind audience members that words are incredibly powerful, even in a country where such forms of rebellion have been banned.
In the city of Mukden, we made propaganda among the workers. We had no bread for the hungry but only knowledge for the ignorant.
In a continuation of the moralistic tales of this drama, the Four Agitators explain that, in their quest to resist the tyrannical political climate, they chose to share knowledge and information with the ignorant. In this way, this quotation perfectly captures the idea that one can be armed with knowledge and can still be full and strong—even without food. It also shows how knowledge is a free commodity—one that can be shared without bartering or payment. In short, this quotation aims to teach audience members that you can share knowledge even when you have nothing else to share. In doing so, you will enlighten and empower the ignorant.
We founded the first Party cells in the factories and trained the first functionaries, established a Party school and taught them how to make the forbidden literature secretly available.
This quotation highlights how resistance can take many forms. In this case, the Four Agitators explain how they are forming a secret Party, whose sole purpose is to return forbidden literature into circulation. The ultimate hope of this Party is to continue to share with common peoples how they can resist the establishment and tyrannical government. In this way, the Four Agitators show how efforts can be taken to resist tyranny and authority in seemingly unassuming ways.
If we place ourselves in the gateways and
Let no one get to our looms
The soldiers will come and shoot at us
We cannot place ourselves in the gateways.
In this stanza, the Control Chorus expresses the concerns that—if they resist the government and dictatorships—they will be killed or left hungry. Though the Four Agitators are intent on spreading knowledge and shaping the rebellion, the Control Chorus expresses the concerns of those average citizens who are being asked to arm themselves with knowledge. They explain that, if they simply stop work and attempt to stand up to the government, they will be murdered or left without work. In this way, this stanza perfectly captures the fear that is associated with occupied countries. The Chorus represents all average citizens, who are being asked to rebel against authority, but who are frightened of the consequences.
