To Build A Castle My Life As A Dissenter Analysis

“To Build a Castle: My Life as a Dissenter” is a critique on socialist society written by Vladimir Bukovsky. In this excerpt, the reader is presented with the reality of a socialist society and the negativity that accompanies it. By using rhetorical modes such as analogy, comparison, and appeal to pathos, Bukovsky paints a vivid picture of the true nature of a socialist society and how it can only result in decimation of the citizens and the destruction of peace and democracy.

Bukovsky compares those under the rule of socialism to ants he once trapped in a mug, saying that after he had discouraged their escape multiple times, “They gave up, crawled toward one another, and settled in a circle.” (Bukovsky 616). The writer uses this story to

exemplify the effects of long-term socialism by demonstrating that no matter how many escape attempts the ants make (the ants obviously representative of the average citizen), those in charge (government in a real situation but Bukovsky in this example) will always put those who rebel back into their place and eventually those under a socialist rule will realize resistance is futile. By comparing socialism to the ants-trapped-in-a-mug experiment, Bukovsky explains the eventually broken-down spirit of those subjugated under an unjust leader.
Socialism is the equivalent of uncoupling all the carriages of a train to minimize damage. By using analogy, Bukovsky conveys to the reader to pointless destruction that will undoubtedly occur if a socialism society is in place. As the wealth is liquidated, everyone is satisfied until some spend their money while others saved it, creating inequality again, “… for society is like a magnet; there are always two poles.” (Bukovsky 618). This essentially exemplifies the flaws in the concept of socialism and how it is a walking contradiction of itself.
Bukovsky appeals to pathos when he speaks of the mass destruction that a search for equality can create. “People attain absolute equality only in the graveyard, and if you want to turn your country into a gigantic graveyard, go ahead, join the socialists.” (Bukovsky 618) The idea that people will only be truly equal once they’re dead is a horrifying idea but it is one that makes sense. For all people to truly be equal there can be no money or property or life because someone will always have more money or a better house or a more stable life in comparison to your own. Equality comes from perception and by explaining how searching for it can only lead to death, this forces the reader to see his point and (if they have any sort of brain), this prospective society seems horrific. By saying that true equality is unobtainable and any search for it will only end in destruction and death, Bukovsky effectively appeals to pathos.
By using analogies, comparisons, and emotional appeal, Bukovsky effectively demonstrates the negative impact of a socialist society. Informing the reader of its slippery slope and the horror it can unleash, the effective use of rhetoric conveys Bukovsky’s true intentions in a clear and concise manner making this truly one of the greatest takes on the negative reality of socialism.