The political argument is sharpening. There is no letter from Esp from this period, but Henry seems to have been irritated and had some notes concerning her disdain for Marx and Trotskyists. These were not in a single organized letter and they may not be all from the same time. There is no indication whether any of this was delivered in a letter or was just blowing off steam. Despite Henry's assertion that he has never criticized her literary efforts, he was unsubtly insulting, even referring to her reading trashy 3rd rate novels of little value to history. Without trying, the dogmatic true believer of "scientific marxism" is bound to clash with the anarchist lover of literature. But their guards are down when they are arguing this way. Despite working with marxists for years, Esperanza does not appear to have any sympathy for marxism at this time, if we can believe her. Henry, despite being inherently obnoxious to the non-initiate, is idealistic and saying what he believes. Esperanza for her part seems to have no filters when she is angry. Even if these thoughts were never delivered in writing, they were surely heard.
July 17, 1942
The only criticism you have heard me make of literature is that it is less useful to mankind than Marxism.Your criticism of Marx is entirely different. Without understanding him you attack his basic theories. You contradict the fundamentals of Leninism, and without knowing what our position, program or method is you insist the Trotskyist are crazy and don’t know what they’re talking about. We may discuss literature, but it is impossible to discuss Marxism with you, to accept any of your criticisms on it, unless you acquaint yourself first with the facts.
Mankind needs food and peace. Marxism not literature will make it possible. It does not concern me when you laugh at me. When you laugh at Marxism, at my ideas, you not only ridicule me, my aims, etc., but you create an abyss which separates us.
I have never criticized your literary efforts. I have not tried to discourage you because there are always enough discouraging factors to face in life.
If, as you say, I worship Marxism and you disagree – you should either disprove my fallacies or maintain a respectful attitude. It is unimaginable that years of friendly relations can follow unless this principle is observed.
The only criticism you make of our party and press is that we constantly criticize the bourgeoisie and Stalin. The abuses, injustices, defeats and exploitation suffered by the working class must be rectified. Is it possible to do so without constantly calling public attention to them? Should we cease criticism? – yes – if we expected someone else to make the revolution.
You should be aware that your frivolous attitude, your deprecating remarks and aloofness to the class struggle pains me deeply. The sarcasm you heap on our party and our aims, the light-minded unreasoning criticisms you make are doubly insulting. First, they are an insult to all those courageous fighters who since the world began have struggled to improve human conditions. We continue that struggle. Secondly, they’re a personal insult, disparaging my efforts and aims in life. You expect me to respect your ideas, unless you consider me an inferior, I can expect the same from you. This is a fundamental question of principle that must be observed. On minor questions concessions can be made, on this, none
If instead of occupying yourself with authors whose works can play no decisive part in history you studied the scientific fundamentals of socialism your nature and attitude toward life would change. Your gift and aptitude for writing would find useful expression.
You sympathize but what they need now isn’t sympathy but leadership. You don’t want to help now (when they need it most) – later after they have won, they won’t want your sympathy or aid because they won’t need it. You sympathize because you feel they are right, but you are unwilling to help.
Don’t pry into your past. You hide it. You haven’t told me why you married.
You won’t read any of the books or literature I recommend instead read trashy 3rd rate novels.