A spectre is haunting Europe; the spectre of Communism.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Marx declares that Communism is a looming presence over Europe, like a spectre haunting the continent.
- In plain terms
- Communism is portrayed as an inevitable, haunting force.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize the psychological impact of ideological threats.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why use a spectre metaphor?
- How does fear shape political movements?
Another view
The metaphor may exaggerate the actual influence of Communism at the time.
More from Karl Marx
The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.
Permalink to quote #34 What the bourgeoisie therefore produces, above all, are its own grave-diggers. Its fall and the victory of the proletariat are equally inevitable.
Permalink to quote #36 It [the bourgeoisie] has pitilessly torn asunder the motley of ties that bound man to his 'natural superiors,' and left remaining no other nexus between man an…
Permalink to quote #33
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