Oswald’s Desire for Historical Recognition
Thornley testified that Oswald’s Marxist beliefs shaped an extraordinary view of history in which future generations would act as a tribunal judging his actions; he wanted to be on the “winning side” so that 10,000 years in the future, people would view him as ahead of his time, with the “eyes of the future” serving as a stand-in for the eyes of God. Thornley believed this concern with his historical image was the reason Oswald chose his high-profile defection method, as it would get his name in the press and broadcast his identity widely. Thornley also testified Oswald desired both physical comfort and historical recognition, and if he could not have both, he wanted to die with the knowledge that he was “somebody.”
Oswald’s Use of Marxism as Excuse
Oswald’s public embrace of Marxism led some people to avoid him, though his wife Marina suggested his interest may have been motivated by a desire for attention. He used his Marxist and related activities as excuses for difficulties he faced in personal and professional life, which were usually caused by unrelated factors; this pattern is most evident in his employment relations after returning from the Soviet Union. His reliance on these excuses worsened his real problems by preventing him from identifying and addressing their root causes. Most significantly, his commitment to Marxism contributed to his 1959 defection to the Soviet Union, 1963 activities on behalf of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, and September 1963 attempt to travel to Cuba.
Defection to the Soviet Union
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.