Anti-Marxist Ideology in “Corollary” by Hughes Allison
“Corollary” by Hughes Allison is a shocking tale of detective fiction that perfectly reflects anti-Marxist rhetoric. A seemingly revolutionary tale that tells the story of a rare and successful Black detective, the obvious elements of the story overshadow the detective’s powerless actions and his brainwashed nature. Furthermore, Johnson the driver reflects the brutal racial and economic inequality that engulfs the colored working class. This story’s capitalist agenda is also reflected in its blurred racial and social lines; Prophet Hameed’s presentation as a problem not a mere byproduct of the unachievable American dream best represents the misunderstood the racial standings in the story. …show more content…
A poor man working to better his living conditions through crime, Johnson merely reflects the struggles good people face to even have a chance in a capitalist society. This is presented in his statement “our people are always so far behind. I was just trying to – to catch up a little bit” (87). This statement reflects his desire to improve his social condition through crime, as referenced in Marxist literary criticism. Furthermore, Johnson’s brief confession indicates his innately human nature, and the fact that crime is unnatural and a direct result of social inequality. Additionally, his attempt to maintain his boss’s trust and to avoid trouble for her sake can be seen as noble and not crime-like, a reflection of his truly good self – pushed towards crime by social injustice fueled by capitalism. Hence, his capture and imprisonment - especially at the hands of a fellow member of the working class in Hill - directly represent the defeat of Marxism and the continued yet unfortunate success of capitalism. Marxist defeat and capitalist success is a great reflection of anti-Marxist rhetoric in "Corollary", as seen through Johnson the …show more content…
Although Hameed can be seen as a reflection of the establishment as he feeds off people 's hopes and fears, he is merely another powerless member of the working class; he commits heinous crimes to improve his social status and achieve success his people cannot dream of. He is merely a distraction from the real detriments to society - the wealthy capitalists. It is capitalist automobiles that killed June 's parents leading up to the story, and capitalism that caused the people to initially fear and despise the establishment. Therefore, as “[Joe Hill’s] fist smashed hard against Hamid’s mouth” (100), he was not attacking capitalism but merely serving it. This action serves as mockery of the thoughtless working class, bashing one another in pursuit of impossible self-achievement; furthermore, this portrays how the detective is working for capitalist interest - he is willing to take down non-conforming workers. This establishes that Hameed 's horrific actions are merely a result of social repression and his inability to succeed without crime, a reflection of Marxist principles and therefore Marxist failure to overcome the preset hurdles of model capitalism. Hameed serves as a beneficial vessel go bring home the defeat of Marxism and the crowning of capitalism over
“Corollary” by Hughes Allison is a shocking tale of detective fiction that perfectly reflects anti-Marxist rhetoric. A seemingly revolutionary tale that tells the story of a rare and successful Black detective, the obvious elements of the story overshadow the detective’s powerless actions and his brainwashed nature. Furthermore, Johnson the driver reflects the brutal racial and economic inequality that engulfs the colored working class. This story’s capitalist agenda is also reflected in its blurred racial and social lines; Prophet Hameed’s presentation as a problem not a mere byproduct of the unachievable American dream best represents the misunderstood the racial standings in the story. …show more content…
A poor man working to better his living conditions through crime, Johnson merely reflects the struggles good people face to even have a chance in a capitalist society. This is presented in his statement “our people are always so far behind. I was just trying to – to catch up a little bit” (87). This statement reflects his desire to improve his social condition through crime, as referenced in Marxist literary criticism. Furthermore, Johnson’s brief confession indicates his innately human nature, and the fact that crime is unnatural and a direct result of social inequality. Additionally, his attempt to maintain his boss’s trust and to avoid trouble for her sake can be seen as noble and not crime-like, a reflection of his truly good self – pushed towards crime by social injustice fueled by capitalism. Hence, his capture and imprisonment - especially at the hands of a fellow member of the working class in Hill - directly represent the defeat of Marxism and the continued yet unfortunate success of capitalism. Marxist defeat and capitalist success is a great reflection of anti-Marxist rhetoric in "Corollary", as seen through Johnson the …show more content…
Although Hameed can be seen as a reflection of the establishment as he feeds off people 's hopes and fears, he is merely another powerless member of the working class; he commits heinous crimes to improve his social status and achieve success his people cannot dream of. He is merely a distraction from the real detriments to society - the wealthy capitalists. It is capitalist automobiles that killed June 's parents leading up to the story, and capitalism that caused the people to initially fear and despise the establishment. Therefore, as “[Joe Hill’s] fist smashed hard against Hamid’s mouth” (100), he was not attacking capitalism but merely serving it. This action serves as mockery of the thoughtless working class, bashing one another in pursuit of impossible self-achievement; furthermore, this portrays how the detective is working for capitalist interest - he is willing to take down non-conforming workers. This establishes that Hameed 's horrific actions are merely a result of social repression and his inability to succeed without crime, a reflection of Marxist principles and therefore Marxist failure to overcome the preset hurdles of model capitalism. Hameed serves as a beneficial vessel go bring home the defeat of Marxism and the crowning of capitalism over