Marx was a great fabulist. He could weave a story in a theory and a theory in a story. Here is one, which provides a great lesson in the critique of theoretical form. It is a story that can serve well in reminding many Marxists about what they are doing to Marx’s theory.
“With the master what is new and significant develops vigorously amid the “manure” of contradictions out of the contradictory phenomena. The underlying contradictions themselves testify to the richness of the living foundation from which the theory itself developed. It is different with the disciple. His raw material is no longer reality, but the new theoretical form in which the master had sublimated it. It is in part the theoretical disagreement of opponents of the new theory and in part the often paradoxical relationship of this theory to reality which drive him to seek to refute his opponents and explain away reality. In doing so, he entangles himself in contradictions and with his attempt to solve these he demonstrates the beginning disintegration of the theory which he dogmatically espouses.”
Beyond Capital 