What Benjamin means by this summary is well exemplified in a quote by one writer, who admits that he is a part of the bourgeoisie simply because this is what he has always known, although he supports the proletariat (8).
Based on the style of the piece, which is rigid, scholarly, and filled with examples from high culture, one can quickly determine that Benjamin's audience is the intellectual. In fact, Benjamin's conclusive statement -- "For the revolutionary struggle does not take place between capitalism and the intellect, but between capitalism and the proletariat" (8) -- is an excellent summary of the author's goal for that particular audience. Benjamin's primary goal is to convince said intellectuals that they should not be embarrassed of their status as intellectuals, for such a status almost immediately marks them as treading a path between the bourgeoisie and proletariat, a place of sympathy without identification....
Instead, he suggests that sympathizing is not enough, and that they should accept their bourgeoisie status, then renounce it for the proletariat. Although his language is lofty and his logic, taught with examples from literary and social criticism, sometimes hard to follow, Benjamin accomplishes his goal. His audience, as intellectuals, would be used to such language from their own professions and private studies, and would more likely be spurred to action by a piece in this style than in the brief newspaper style that Benjamin also addresses. Also, by invoking responsibility in the framework of compassion, as he suggests that it is not the fault of intellectuals that they are predisposed to writing for the bourgeoisie, Benjamin does an excellent job of stirring the group to action. Thus, his goal for this particular audience is accomplished.
Works Cited
Benjamin, Walter. "The Author as Producer." New…
