André Malraux's novel provides a compelling narrative of the aborted Communist Revolution in China in 1927 through the portrayal of three distinct revolutionaries. Each character's involvement in the revolution is driven by personal motivations and culminates in a death that reflects their unique ideologies. The characters of Ch’en, Kyo, and Katov offer a multi-faceted exploration of revolutionary fervor, ideology, and sacrifice.

The Isolated Terrorist: Ch'en

Ch’en, the terrorist, emerges as a complex figure whose revolutionary zeal is rooted in violent action. The novel introduces him in a gripping scene committing his first murder, an act that profoundly alienates him from those around him. This isolation convinces Ch’en that individual acts of terrorism are superior to organized revolutionary efforts. His conviction leads him to plan the assassination of Chiang Kai-shek, believing this act will catalyze the revolution. Initially, he attempts this with comrades, but after their failure, he resolves to act alone. In an ironic twist, Ch’en dies by throwing himself with a grenade onto a car he mistakenly believes carries Chiang. His death, though unsuccessful in its immediate goal, encapsulates his belief that personal sacrifice for the revolution imparts meaning to his life.

The Intellectual Theorist: Kyo

Kyo stands as the theorist of the trio, struggling to align Marxist ideology with the practicalities of the revolution. His life is marked by an internal conflict between his theoretical beliefs, such as the notion of free love, and his human emotions, like jealousy over his wife's infidelity. Kyo's commitment to the revolution stems from a deep-seated belief in human dignity. However, his faith in Communist theory wanes upon discovering the willingness of the party leaders to betray the masses under orders from Moscow. His experiences, including the dehumanizing conditions in jail, lead him to prioritize dignity over life itself. Faced with the choice between survival and humiliation, Kyo opts for suicide by cyanide, a testament to his belief that dignity should remain uncompromised by political agendas.

The Veteran Revolutionary: Katov

Katov, the seasoned veteran with experience from the Russian Revolution, values solidarity above all. Unlike Ch’en, who revels in his isolation, Katov finds purpose in camaraderie. His eventual demise aligns with his life’s philosophy. Despite possessing a cyanide pill to avoid capture, Katov chooses to share it with two terrified young comrades, aware that the dose can only save two. This act of selflessness, condemning himself to a horrific death in a train boiler, becomes his final testament to the fraternity and solidarity he cherished. Katov’s sacrifice is emblematic of his belief in collective struggle over personal survival.

Diverse Paths to a Revolutionary End

Although Ch’en, Kyo, and Katov differ significantly in their approaches and motivations, they are united by their quest for meaning within the revolutionary cause. Each character’s demise is a reflection of their individual beliefs and life experiences, underscoring the multifaceted nature of revolutionary thought and action. Through their stories, Malraux paints a rich tapestry of ideological commitment, personal sacrifice, and the relentless search for significance in turbulent times.