Dostoevsky’s characters are extremely complex; just when one thinks they have the character down solid, new information is supplied, revealing new attributes to their personality. I think that the characters are intertwined making one main personality. Dmitry, Ivan, Alyosha, Zosima, Fyodor, Grushenka, Madame Khokhlakov, and Smerdyakov all have things in common; the similarities between the eight characters mentioned are so uncanny it’s hard not to notice them. Although there are exceptions, majority of them have struggled with their faith, are money hungry, and are sensualists.
Time and time again the word sensualist has been used to describe many of the characters. “She (Grushenka) is noted for sensual activity with men, and her tempting behavior (Kpeters).” There is no doubt that Dmitry and Fyodor are sensualists as well. Both have also been called sensualists repeatedly in the book. “She [Stinking Lizaveta] is suspected to have been seduced by Fyodor, the only man in the city who would be evil enough to make sexual advances on such a woman and leave her to herself afterwards (98-99) (Schwemmer).” Kaubry brings up more evidence supporting this about Dmitry: “You’re [Dmitry] a sensualist after your father. (67)” Surprisingly enough Zosima was also sensualist in his early life and acted very much like Dmitry, both having squandered away large sums of money on women.
Dmitry, Ivan, Zosima, Alyosha, Khokhlakov, Smerdyakov, and even Fyodor have all struggled with their faith. Ivan believes in the word of God but does not accept it. While having lunch with Alyosha one day he explained his beliefs, forcing Alyosha to question his faith. Jdehart brings up the almighty question in his blog when Ivan asks Alyosha: “Imagine that you are creating a fabric of human destiny with the object of making men happy in the end, giving them peace and rest at last, but that it was essential and inevitable to torture to death only one tiny creature- that baby beating its breast with its fist, for instance- and to found that edifice on its unavenged tears, would you consent to be the architect on those conditions?” Alyosha immediately responds no. Alyosha again questions his faith after Zosima dies. He repeats what Ivan told him to Rakatin. But when Alyosha reaches his lowest point, he has a conversion similar to Zosima’s. The idea that Ivan might have a conversion hasn’t been ruled out yet either; he’s still questioning his faith. Ivan and Smerdyakov seem to share some of the same beliefs when it comes to religion as well. “The grown up Smerdyakov is introduced as having elements that strongly resemble Ivan, because Smerdyakov shows that his doubts in God and the bible even from the age of ten, when Gregory reads him the Creation in Genesis and Smerdyakov asks "Where did the light come from" (121). (Schwemmer)” Dmitry also seems to be confused on where he stands in his faith. Kabury pulls this quote out of the book: “after your mother- a holy fool.” Dmitry obviously has faith but right now it’s just being covered up by his addiction to sensualism. Kaubry describes him as “being at a cross roads, he could turn out to be just like Zosima, he could gone down a path towards Christ; or he could kill his dad, steal the money and run off with Grushenka.” Madame Khokhlakov was the “woman of little faith” in the book. She described how she wanted to be more holy but wasn’t sure how. After speaking with Zosima she said in tears she would actively love and try to change her ways. But after Zosima died she seemed to have changed her mindset. “’I’m all for realism now, I’ve been taught a good lesson about miracles (384)’”. And on page 385 she says, “Oh, I’m a realist now, Dmitri Fyodorovich. From this day on, after all that story in the monastery, which upset me so, I’m a complete realist, and want to throw myself into practical activity. I am cured. Enough! as Turgenev said.” Fyodor says he is an atheist but has an understanding of the bible that contradicts his beliefs. “There is an eternal struggle in Fyodor. He struggles with the question of God. His knowledge of the bible and of Diderot shows this. It seems that he has chosen not to believe in God. This struggle is shown since he always misinterprets the Bible and gives the text a twisted meaning. (Krause)” Even Grushenka, the wicked woman who uses men, has a bit of a conversion. When Alyosha comes to visit her she had planned to seduce him but instead realizes her wicked ways and had a change of heart. She has another change of heart when she professes her love and dedication to Dmitry.
Grushenka, Fyodor, Dmitry, and Zosima (at one point) are all very attached to money and materialistic items. “Grushenka is a money driven beast, who is attractive to the males perspective and with this exterior superiority she is able to manipulate a man’s love for her own benefit. (KPeters)” KPeters also states that, “she is drawn to money, and essentially seeks that in all of her relationships.” Dmitry is described in the beginning of the novel to have “led a wild life, and spent comparatively, a great deal of money.” (11) Fyodor, being the stingy man that he is, mooches and doesn’t even want to give money to his own children. Before Zosima’s had a conversion, he too, threw his money away on pointless things.
Although Dostoevsky seems to have added small differences in each character, overall he has created one main personality that all of the characters share. It takes a lot of study of the book to see all of the resemblances, but they are definitely evident.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Madame Khokhlakov
Samantha Brodbeck
Eng 3H
Madame Khokhlakov is a very straightforward character; she doesn’t play games and isn’t afraid to show her true colors. From looking at her interactions with others, one can infer several characteristics that appear frequently. One being that she is a drama queen to the max. She is also a woman of many words; it’s hard to get 2 cents in when holding a conversation with her. Kokhlakhov takes pleasure in being involved with other people’s lives as well. To top it all off, she possesses the trait of arrogance.
Khokhlakov’s ability to talk for hours upon hours appears in almost every passage involving her. I think there are two reasons for this. One being she doesn’t respect others, and the other because she’s simply just a chatterbox. On page 55, Zosima was out blessing his visitors; he then comes to Madame Kokhlakov who praises him excessively. “’You look so healthy, so cheerful, so happy…Oh, how you speak! What brave and lofty words!’” Throughout the chapter “Gold Mines”, the woman would not let Dmitry get a word in. On several different accounts she knows exactly what he’s going to say and tells him she has heard it all beforehand. Every time he tries to talk he is cut short. When dealing with someone who talks a lot, it is usually the case that they gossip excessively as well; Madame Kokhlakov is no exception. While speaking with Dmitry about the gold mines, she randomly threw in the news about Zosima and asked if he had heard yet. When Alyosha comes to visit the house she tells him about Katerina and Ivan. “…She loves your brother Ivan, and is persuading herself as hard as she can that she loves your brother Dmitry. (185)” This information was based on a hunch but she told Alyosha the news as if it were fact. On page 180 she says, “’Did you spread it around? Did you show everyone? He stored the son to his mother!’” This passage shows that these might have been her actions when she received the news. She even goes as far as embarrassing Lise with her big mouth. “’…Ah, I even forgot that this is the main thing: tell me, why is Lise in hysterics? The moment she heard you were coming, she immediately had hysterics!’ (181)” Many times when speaking, she does so very quickly and tends to ramble. On page 180 she spoke to Alyosha, in a “nervous, quick voice.”
The most prominent attribute Madame Khokhlakov brings forth is how dramatic she is. In every passage that she talks there is a great deal of emotion. It’s common to see exclamation points when she is speaking. She gets very excited to meet people at he door; for example, when Alyosha came to visit she met him in the front hallway. It was similar when Dmitry came to visit; she basically ran to greet him. Like the typical drama queen, she cries. On page 58, she wept after Zosima gave her advice on how to have more faith (crying on 53,). Hysterics are not uncommon; mostly it’s over Lise’s illness. “’…She’s so sick, she was sick all night, in a fever, moaning! I could hardly wait for morning and Herzenstube (181, see 182 and53).’” She gets hysterics when she sees Alyosha’s bitten finger as well.
Khokhlakov thinks she is a know-it-all. Not only does she think she knows what’s best for Katya, but for Dmitry as well (a man she is not close to whatsoever). This becomes very evident when she has a conversation with Dmitry about the gold mines. Sentence after sentence is Khokhlakov telling him “his ideas and goals.” “’I shall tell you your idea: you will discover mines…you’ll build buildings, start various enterprises. You will help the poor.’ (385)” Again on page 386 she told Dmitry that his goal is the mines and that it’s “precisely what he needs and thirsts for” but of course without knowing it. She even goes as far as saying “I’ve thought for you (385).” On page 185 she says that Katya likes Ivan and not Dmitry, because that is what Khokhlakov thinks would be best for Katya.
Another not so glorious attribute Madame Khokhlakov possesses is arrogance. On page 384 she calls herself “an experienced doctor of souls.” The trait makes her feel the need to help others because she thinks they are incapable of helping themselves. She tells Dmitry that she took his fate into consideration long ago; it’s like she’s saying that Dmitry isn’t educated enough to decide what’s best for himself. The entire chapter deals with Madame Khokhlakov telling Dmitry what he is going to do for the rest of his life. Dmitry isn’t the first person she’s helped either, and she let the reader know that. “’You will not be the first I’ve helped, Dmitry Fyodorovich. You’ve probably heard about my cousin, Madame Belmesov, her husband was ruined...what did I do…? I sent him into horse-breeding, and now he’s flourishing.’” It sounds like she’s taking credit for the hard work this man put into horse breeding; it was only her idea. It also sounds like she is boasting about how good of a person she is for helping others. “...Just marvel at my instinct (383), in this sentence she is downright bragging.
Madame Khokhlakov acts about the same every time she appears in the novel: emotional, arrogant and chatty. She is a very comical character who keeps things interesting. Although she doesn’t have the best qualities, I don’t think her intentions are bad.
Eng 3H
Madame Khokhlakov is a very straightforward character; she doesn’t play games and isn’t afraid to show her true colors. From looking at her interactions with others, one can infer several characteristics that appear frequently. One being that she is a drama queen to the max. She is also a woman of many words; it’s hard to get 2 cents in when holding a conversation with her. Kokhlakhov takes pleasure in being involved with other people’s lives as well. To top it all off, she possesses the trait of arrogance.
Khokhlakov’s ability to talk for hours upon hours appears in almost every passage involving her. I think there are two reasons for this. One being she doesn’t respect others, and the other because she’s simply just a chatterbox. On page 55, Zosima was out blessing his visitors; he then comes to Madame Kokhlakov who praises him excessively. “’You look so healthy, so cheerful, so happy…Oh, how you speak! What brave and lofty words!’” Throughout the chapter “Gold Mines”, the woman would not let Dmitry get a word in. On several different accounts she knows exactly what he’s going to say and tells him she has heard it all beforehand. Every time he tries to talk he is cut short. When dealing with someone who talks a lot, it is usually the case that they gossip excessively as well; Madame Kokhlakov is no exception. While speaking with Dmitry about the gold mines, she randomly threw in the news about Zosima and asked if he had heard yet. When Alyosha comes to visit the house she tells him about Katerina and Ivan. “…She loves your brother Ivan, and is persuading herself as hard as she can that she loves your brother Dmitry. (185)” This information was based on a hunch but she told Alyosha the news as if it were fact. On page 180 she says, “’Did you spread it around? Did you show everyone? He stored the son to his mother!’” This passage shows that these might have been her actions when she received the news. She even goes as far as embarrassing Lise with her big mouth. “’…Ah, I even forgot that this is the main thing: tell me, why is Lise in hysterics? The moment she heard you were coming, she immediately had hysterics!’ (181)” Many times when speaking, she does so very quickly and tends to ramble. On page 180 she spoke to Alyosha, in a “nervous, quick voice.”
The most prominent attribute Madame Khokhlakov brings forth is how dramatic she is. In every passage that she talks there is a great deal of emotion. It’s common to see exclamation points when she is speaking. She gets very excited to meet people at he door; for example, when Alyosha came to visit she met him in the front hallway. It was similar when Dmitry came to visit; she basically ran to greet him. Like the typical drama queen, she cries. On page 58, she wept after Zosima gave her advice on how to have more faith (crying on 53,). Hysterics are not uncommon; mostly it’s over Lise’s illness. “’…She’s so sick, she was sick all night, in a fever, moaning! I could hardly wait for morning and Herzenstube (181, see 182 and53).’” She gets hysterics when she sees Alyosha’s bitten finger as well.
Khokhlakov thinks she is a know-it-all. Not only does she think she knows what’s best for Katya, but for Dmitry as well (a man she is not close to whatsoever). This becomes very evident when she has a conversation with Dmitry about the gold mines. Sentence after sentence is Khokhlakov telling him “his ideas and goals.” “’I shall tell you your idea: you will discover mines…you’ll build buildings, start various enterprises. You will help the poor.’ (385)” Again on page 386 she told Dmitry that his goal is the mines and that it’s “precisely what he needs and thirsts for” but of course without knowing it. She even goes as far as saying “I’ve thought for you (385).” On page 185 she says that Katya likes Ivan and not Dmitry, because that is what Khokhlakov thinks would be best for Katya.
Another not so glorious attribute Madame Khokhlakov possesses is arrogance. On page 384 she calls herself “an experienced doctor of souls.” The trait makes her feel the need to help others because she thinks they are incapable of helping themselves. She tells Dmitry that she took his fate into consideration long ago; it’s like she’s saying that Dmitry isn’t educated enough to decide what’s best for himself. The entire chapter deals with Madame Khokhlakov telling Dmitry what he is going to do for the rest of his life. Dmitry isn’t the first person she’s helped either, and she let the reader know that. “’You will not be the first I’ve helped, Dmitry Fyodorovich. You’ve probably heard about my cousin, Madame Belmesov, her husband was ruined...what did I do…? I sent him into horse-breeding, and now he’s flourishing.’” It sounds like she’s taking credit for the hard work this man put into horse breeding; it was only her idea. It also sounds like she is boasting about how good of a person she is for helping others. “...Just marvel at my instinct (383), in this sentence she is downright bragging.
Madame Khokhlakov acts about the same every time she appears in the novel: emotional, arrogant and chatty. She is a very comical character who keeps things interesting. Although she doesn’t have the best qualities, I don’t think her intentions are bad.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Gold Mines
I don’t think Khokhlakov’s offer of the gold mines is all that funny. But I also don’t think that this novel is very funny so it’s possible it’s one of the more comical scenes. I think it’s creepy if anything.
Madame Kholkhlakov doesn’t know Dmitry that well and doesn’t like him. Why on earth would she want to help him? And how did she get the idea of mines? It’s weird that this woman who barely knows this man is telling what he he’s going to do; even makes him answer on the spot. “’Enough, Dmitry Fyodorovich, enough!’ Madame Khokhlakov interrupted insistently. ‘The question is: are you going to the mines or not? Have you fully decided? Answer mathematically.’(386)” This is a life changing decision and she’s making him decide right away? She’s acting like a control freak.
Dostoevsky creates an eerie affect about this woman. To make her sound even weirder, she realized this all from his gait. “I even studied your gait and decided: this man will find many mines (385).” Deciding a man’s future based on their walk? I don’t know if I’ve heard that one before. She’s seems to have lost her mind and become crazy. What’s more is the fact that she had a feeling Dmitry was coming, although they are rarely visit. It’s almost as if she has a fortune-teller aura about her.
Madame Kholkhlakov doesn’t know Dmitry that well and doesn’t like him. Why on earth would she want to help him? And how did she get the idea of mines? It’s weird that this woman who barely knows this man is telling what he he’s going to do; even makes him answer on the spot. “’Enough, Dmitry Fyodorovich, enough!’ Madame Khokhlakov interrupted insistently. ‘The question is: are you going to the mines or not? Have you fully decided? Answer mathematically.’(386)” This is a life changing decision and she’s making him decide right away? She’s acting like a control freak.
Dostoevsky creates an eerie affect about this woman. To make her sound even weirder, she realized this all from his gait. “I even studied your gait and decided: this man will find many mines (385).” Deciding a man’s future based on their walk? I don’t know if I’ve heard that one before. She’s seems to have lost her mind and become crazy. What’s more is the fact that she had a feeling Dmitry was coming, although they are rarely visit. It’s almost as if she has a fortune-teller aura about her.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Dostoevsky describes Alyosha's conversion at the end of book 7. It relates to one of the main themes of the book with the corn of wheat that must die in order to bring forth a beautiful fruit. Alyosha has a life-altering moment.
"He fell to the earth a weak youth and rose up a fighter, steadfast for the rest of his life...(363)" Alyosha had this beautiful image/dream of Zosima rejoicing and then fell to the ground and rose up to become a man who is strong and knows what he wants in life.
I guess if you're a strong believe in miracles and conversion the story is believable, but if you're not then it's not. It's hard to grasp the idea that one change just change in an instant; almost as if something has possessed them. It's possible the image of Zosima really made Alyosha that happy to reach his full potential considering that is what Zosima wanted. It could also be due to the fact that Alyosha helped Grushenka be a better person and realize that she can be good. It was as if he "gave her the onion".
"He fell to the earth a weak youth and rose up a fighter, steadfast for the rest of his life...(363)" Alyosha had this beautiful image/dream of Zosima rejoicing and then fell to the ground and rose up to become a man who is strong and knows what he wants in life.
I guess if you're a strong believe in miracles and conversion the story is believable, but if you're not then it's not. It's hard to grasp the idea that one change just change in an instant; almost as if something has possessed them. It's possible the image of Zosima really made Alyosha that happy to reach his full potential considering that is what Zosima wanted. It could also be due to the fact that Alyosha helped Grushenka be a better person and realize that she can be good. It was as if he "gave her the onion".
Alyosha's Faith
Alyosha hasn't completely lost his faith and still believes in God, but he almost seems like he is mad at God. "He loved his God and believed in him steadfastly, though he suddenly murmured against him." I think he's just upset and is doing things that he wouldn't normally do and doesn't understand why God is "punishing" Zosima.
Alyosha struggles with why people are bad mouthing Zosima. He asks why this shame should be permitted and why everyone is following Ferapont now on page 340. Alyosha believes that Zosima was a very good man and doesn't deserve any of the disgrace that has fallen upon him.
When Ratakin comes to find Alyosha, he does things that surprise Ratakin a great deal. Alyosha accepted the vodka and the sausage, and even agreed to go see Grushenka. That's out of the ordinary for Alyosha. I think he was just doing it to kind of get back at God. I don't think that means he lost his faith. He seems to be taking the insight of Ivan; he still believes in God but doesn't understand why God makes people suffer as he does. "'I believed, I believe, and I want to believe, and I will believe, and what more do you want!'" Although Alyosha is upset, he still says he believes in God.
Alyosha struggles with why people are bad mouthing Zosima. He asks why this shame should be permitted and why everyone is following Ferapont now on page 340. Alyosha believes that Zosima was a very good man and doesn't deserve any of the disgrace that has fallen upon him.
When Ratakin comes to find Alyosha, he does things that surprise Ratakin a great deal. Alyosha accepted the vodka and the sausage, and even agreed to go see Grushenka. That's out of the ordinary for Alyosha. I think he was just doing it to kind of get back at God. I don't think that means he lost his faith. He seems to be taking the insight of Ivan; he still believes in God but doesn't understand why God makes people suffer as he does. "'I believed, I believe, and I want to believe, and I will believe, and what more do you want!'" Although Alyosha is upset, he still says he believes in God.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Zosima's philosphy
Zosima makes some very good points in his speech before he dies. A valid point he makes is about how materialistic things complicate life and can make one unhappy. The less one has, the more they appreciate what has been given to them. If one has a lot, then they take what they have for granted. He refers to the term isolation a lot.
He talks about how man isolates himself from others and just worries about his possessions all the time. "...they distort their own nature, for they generate many meaningless and foolish desires, habits, and the most absurd fancies in themselves. They live only for mutual envy, for pleasure-seeking and self-display. (314)" People are too worried about what others think; too much time is spent trying to impress others. Instead of actually having relationships with people, all the time is spent bettering one's status.
Zosima also points out that people have obscured priorities. "To have dinners, horses, carriages, rank, and slaves to serve them is now considered such a necessity that for the sake of it, to satisfy it, they will sacrifice life, honor, the love of mankind, and will even kill themselves if they are unable to satisfy it (314)." Instead of loving one's neighbor and things like that, life becomes revolved around becoming higher ranked and proving oneself in society. Everything needed to get to heaven is basically thrown out and now people just care about getting rich with no regards to what is at stake.
He talks about how man isolates himself from others and just worries about his possessions all the time. "...they distort their own nature, for they generate many meaningless and foolish desires, habits, and the most absurd fancies in themselves. They live only for mutual envy, for pleasure-seeking and self-display. (314)" People are too worried about what others think; too much time is spent trying to impress others. Instead of actually having relationships with people, all the time is spent bettering one's status.
Zosima also points out that people have obscured priorities. "To have dinners, horses, carriages, rank, and slaves to serve them is now considered such a necessity that for the sake of it, to satisfy it, they will sacrifice life, honor, the love of mankind, and will even kill themselves if they are unable to satisfy it (314)." Instead of loving one's neighbor and things like that, life becomes revolved around becoming higher ranked and proving oneself in society. Everything needed to get to heaven is basically thrown out and now people just care about getting rich with no regards to what is at stake.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Zosima's childhood
During Zosima's early life, he showed numerous Karamozov traits, especially those relating to Dmitry. He was jealous, careless with money, and liked the smell of revenge. His life and general also reflected Dmitry's to a certain extent.
After Zosima's brother Markel died, his mother sent him to a cadet school. After that he joined the ranks; similar to Dmitry who also was involved in the military. While being in the military he got money and spent it freely and carelessly. The girls in the area knew he had a money and soon he fell for a girl of high-status. Later Zosima found out that this girl had a fiancee and Zosima got very jealous. He wanted revenge at the girl who he felt was laughing at him and the man; he challenged him to a duel. The story of Zosima and Dmitry is almost uncanny. Dmitry met a girl he too did not marry, and did not love but just respected, exactly like Zosima. Dmitry also tried to get revenge.
Zosima described himself to be wild and crazy. He drank too much sometimes, and recalled a night where he beat a man. This parallels to the man that Dmitry beat outside the bar when he he drank too much one night.
And this is a side point, but I also think that Zosima shows characteristics of Alyosha too. They both steal other people's ideas, or as Ivan calls it "literary theft". Zosima lives my his brother's theory and tells other people what his brother said, just like Alyosha takes things from books and what Zosima says and tells other people.
After Zosima's brother Markel died, his mother sent him to a cadet school. After that he joined the ranks; similar to Dmitry who also was involved in the military. While being in the military he got money and spent it freely and carelessly. The girls in the area knew he had a money and soon he fell for a girl of high-status. Later Zosima found out that this girl had a fiancee and Zosima got very jealous. He wanted revenge at the girl who he felt was laughing at him and the man; he challenged him to a duel. The story of Zosima and Dmitry is almost uncanny. Dmitry met a girl he too did not marry, and did not love but just respected, exactly like Zosima. Dmitry also tried to get revenge.
Zosima described himself to be wild and crazy. He drank too much sometimes, and recalled a night where he beat a man. This parallels to the man that Dmitry beat outside the bar when he he drank too much one night.
And this is a side point, but I also think that Zosima shows characteristics of Alyosha too. They both steal other people's ideas, or as Ivan calls it "literary theft". Zosima lives my his brother's theory and tells other people what his brother said, just like Alyosha takes things from books and what Zosima says and tells other people.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
3000 roubels
The number 3000 roubles comes up consistently throughout the novel. It seems like it's the only money ever dealt with. I can think of four examples off hand having to do with 3000 roubels.
The number revolves a lot around Grushenka. It's the amount of money that Fyodor set aside to pay Grushenka for visiting him at his house. It's also the amount of money that Dmitry spent on Grushenka when they went out on the town. Dmitry got this money from stealing the money that Katya gave him to give to her aunt in Moscow. So now it's the amount of money that Dmitry owes Katya.
We also find out in this chapter it is the amount of money exactly that Fyodor still owes Dmitry. Although before Fyodor told us earlier that Dmitry actually owed Fyodor money, I guess Dmitry found out some information.
The number revolves a lot around Grushenka. It's the amount of money that Fyodor set aside to pay Grushenka for visiting him at his house. It's also the amount of money that Dmitry spent on Grushenka when they went out on the town. Dmitry got this money from stealing the money that Katya gave him to give to her aunt in Moscow. So now it's the amount of money that Dmitry owes Katya.
We also find out in this chapter it is the amount of money exactly that Fyodor still owes Dmitry. Although before Fyodor told us earlier that Dmitry actually owed Fyodor money, I guess Dmitry found out some information.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Grand Inquisitor
The Inquisitor is a man who rules his people and burns anyone who is rebellious at the stake. His philos0phy was to take away mankind's freedom. He believed that free will is the worst thing a man can have; he also believed that man cannot be happy with freewill. "'For only now has it become possible to think for the first time about human happiness. Man was made a rebel; can rebels be happy?' (251)"
The scene folds out in the jail cell where the Inquisitor had Jesus imprisoned. Basically he calls Jesus a fool. On page 254 and 255 the Inquisitor talks about how Jesus wanted man to love him freely and willing, and have the right to choose for himself what was good and evil. " And so, instead of a firm foundation for appeasing human conscience once and for all, you chose everything that was unusual enigmatic, and indefinite, you chose everything that was beyond men's strength, and thereby acted as if you did not love them at all...But it did not occur to you that he would eventually reject and dispute even your image and your truth if he was oppressed by so terrible a burden as freedom of choice?...Thus you yourself laid the foundation for the destruction of your own kingdom."
The ultimate goal of the Inquisitor is to hold people captive for their own good. There are three ways to do this: the powers of miracle, mystery, and authority. Jesus had the chance to use all of these powers on the people and he chose not to. Now instead of seeking the "heavenly bread", all of the weak will seek the "earthly bread" that the Inquisitor gives them. By these people taking the bread, they are now like his slave and submit to him. "We shall prove to them that they are feeble, that they are only pitiful children, but that a child's happiness is sweeter than any other (259)."
In a way it's like the man thinks he's noble by doing this; like he's better than Jesus because he has it all figured out. The Inquisitor also seems to mock Jesus as well. On page 257 and again on page 260 he says that "we have corrected your deed." He's mocking Jesus in the sense that this Inquisitor thinks he's smarter, like he's got it all figured out. He also goes into talking about how he gives up his happiness to save mankind because he knows the secret. It's a very interesting outlook on how a population should be run.
The scene folds out in the jail cell where the Inquisitor had Jesus imprisoned. Basically he calls Jesus a fool. On page 254 and 255 the Inquisitor talks about how Jesus wanted man to love him freely and willing, and have the right to choose for himself what was good and evil. " And so, instead of a firm foundation for appeasing human conscience once and for all, you chose everything that was unusual enigmatic, and indefinite, you chose everything that was beyond men's strength, and thereby acted as if you did not love them at all...But it did not occur to you that he would eventually reject and dispute even your image and your truth if he was oppressed by so terrible a burden as freedom of choice?...Thus you yourself laid the foundation for the destruction of your own kingdom."
The ultimate goal of the Inquisitor is to hold people captive for their own good. There are three ways to do this: the powers of miracle, mystery, and authority. Jesus had the chance to use all of these powers on the people and he chose not to. Now instead of seeking the "heavenly bread", all of the weak will seek the "earthly bread" that the Inquisitor gives them. By these people taking the bread, they are now like his slave and submit to him. "We shall prove to them that they are feeble, that they are only pitiful children, but that a child's happiness is sweeter than any other (259)."
In a way it's like the man thinks he's noble by doing this; like he's better than Jesus because he has it all figured out. The Inquisitor also seems to mock Jesus as well. On page 257 and again on page 260 he says that "we have corrected your deed." He's mocking Jesus in the sense that this Inquisitor thinks he's smarter, like he's got it all figured out. He also goes into talking about how he gives up his happiness to save mankind because he knows the secret. It's a very interesting outlook on how a population should be run.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Ivan
For the first time in the novel Ivan and Alyosha have their first long chat at the tavern about Ivan’s views on religion. We get an insight into the way Ivan really thinks and get to know his personality a little better. Ivan thinks God does unjustifiable acts.
Ivan believes in God; he’s just not sure if God created people or people created God. In great detail Ivan describes true stories of injustices that have happened to children in the past. Children suffer daily for things that they didn’t do. He describes a little girl who was forced to sleep in the outhouse after her mother smeared poop on her face and made the little girl eat it as well. She weeps for God to protect her. Ivan thinks that’s nonsense. “—Can you understand such nonsense, my friend and my brother, my godly and humble novice, can you understand why this nonsense is needed and created? Without it, they say, man could not even have lived on earth, for he would not have known good and evil. Who wants to know this damned good and evil at such a price? The whole world of knowledge is not worth the tears of that little girl to ‘dear God’ (242).” Ivan is asking why would God do that? It’s wrong and painful to hear about.
On page 244 Ivan makes his point. “If everyone must suffer, in order to buy eternal harmony with their suffering, pray tell me what have children go to do with it? It’s quite incomprehensible why they should have to suffer, and why they should buy harmony with their suffering.” Why do children have to suffer for something that they didn’t do?
Ivan definitely proved the injustices in God’s plan because of his use of children. Children don’t have a say in it at all, if he were to use an adult, the scenario would be different because adults have free will for the most part. Ivan is asking Alyosha how God can let such terrible things happen to children. And it’s a good point; why should innocent people have to suffer for anything?
Ivan believes in God; he’s just not sure if God created people or people created God. In great detail Ivan describes true stories of injustices that have happened to children in the past. Children suffer daily for things that they didn’t do. He describes a little girl who was forced to sleep in the outhouse after her mother smeared poop on her face and made the little girl eat it as well. She weeps for God to protect her. Ivan thinks that’s nonsense. “—Can you understand such nonsense, my friend and my brother, my godly and humble novice, can you understand why this nonsense is needed and created? Without it, they say, man could not even have lived on earth, for he would not have known good and evil. Who wants to know this damned good and evil at such a price? The whole world of knowledge is not worth the tears of that little girl to ‘dear God’ (242).” Ivan is asking why would God do that? It’s wrong and painful to hear about.
On page 244 Ivan makes his point. “If everyone must suffer, in order to buy eternal harmony with their suffering, pray tell me what have children go to do with it? It’s quite incomprehensible why they should have to suffer, and why they should buy harmony with their suffering.” Why do children have to suffer for something that they didn’t do?
Ivan definitely proved the injustices in God’s plan because of his use of children. Children don’t have a say in it at all, if he were to use an adult, the scenario would be different because adults have free will for the most part. Ivan is asking Alyosha how God can let such terrible things happen to children. And it’s a good point; why should innocent people have to suffer for anything?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Smerdyakov
Smerdyakov obviously seems to have some Karamozov blood in him. It’s pretty clear that Fyodor is his father. He has something in common with all all of them in the way he acts.
He is similar to Ivan because they both share the mindset of not wanting other people’s help. Smerdyakov confides to Maria Kondratievna that he would be long gone to Moscow to start a restaurant if he had the money (225). He’s very independent. And like Ivan as well, he asks very philosophical questions about his faith and about God as well. I also think they’re both ashamed of where they came from and who their parents are. Smerdyakov goes as far as to say he wishes he wouldn’t have been born. Although Ivan didn’t go that far; he despises his father and never talks about his mother.
The Dmitry and Fyodor characteristics are present in his anger. Smerdyakov is a very angry and violent person. On page 224 he says “ I’d have killed a man in a duel with a pistol for calling me a low-born.” Killing, tends to show up as a Karamozov trait. Even though no one has killed yet, Dmitry has talked about it. Smerdyakov is also quite the ladies man, like Dmitry and Ivan.
Smerdyakov also doesn’t like to take responsibility for his actions or his status in society. This is present in most of the Karamozovs except for Alyosha. He thinks he was born into this life and can never change or advance himself because of who his mother was. He’s blaming his mother for something she had no control over. He could better himself if he wanted to, he chooses not to.
I don’t really think that he’s that similar to Alyosha, but I haven’t really seen many Karamozov traits in Alyosha. Maybe in later chapters there will be more similarities.
He is similar to Ivan because they both share the mindset of not wanting other people’s help. Smerdyakov confides to Maria Kondratievna that he would be long gone to Moscow to start a restaurant if he had the money (225). He’s very independent. And like Ivan as well, he asks very philosophical questions about his faith and about God as well. I also think they’re both ashamed of where they came from and who their parents are. Smerdyakov goes as far as to say he wishes he wouldn’t have been born. Although Ivan didn’t go that far; he despises his father and never talks about his mother.
The Dmitry and Fyodor characteristics are present in his anger. Smerdyakov is a very angry and violent person. On page 224 he says “ I’d have killed a man in a duel with a pistol for calling me a low-born.” Killing, tends to show up as a Karamozov trait. Even though no one has killed yet, Dmitry has talked about it. Smerdyakov is also quite the ladies man, like Dmitry and Ivan.
Smerdyakov also doesn’t like to take responsibility for his actions or his status in society. This is present in most of the Karamozovs except for Alyosha. He thinks he was born into this life and can never change or advance himself because of who his mother was. He’s blaming his mother for something she had no control over. He could better himself if he wanted to, he chooses not to.
I don’t really think that he’s that similar to Alyosha, but I haven’t really seen many Karamozov traits in Alyosha. Maybe in later chapters there will be more similarities.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Gruschenka
Gruschenka is more rude than a scoundrel; but I have mixed emotions. She was very rude when she refused to kiss Katya's hand and rubbed the fact that Dmitry loved her more in Katya's face. But if she was a scoundrel depends on how Gruschenka really feels about Dmitry. I also think it matters if she had made promises to Katya or not; that changes where her morals stand.
On page 150 and 151 Katya and Gruschenka are talking about Dmitry. When Katya says, "But now it will be you who save him. You gave your word. " Gruschenka replies, "Ah, no, I never gave you my word. It's you who were saying all that, but I didn't give my word." If that's true, then Katya made her own hopes high, that isn't Gruschenka being a bad person.
"...whatever I want, I will do...what if I like [Dmitry] again all of a sudden because I did like him once very much, I liked him for almost a whole hour. so, maybe I'll go now and tell him to stay with me starting today..." (151). If Gruschenka loves Dmitry then she does have the right to be with him. If she doesn't then she just likes to see others suffer.
Gruschenka definitely has attitude and doesn't let anyone push her around. She made a fool out of Katya when she refused to kiss her hand and brought up Katya's shameful past. This was rude, but it was true; Katya did in a way sell her beauty to Dmitry. I don't think that makes her a scoundrel, just mean.
On page 150 and 151 Katya and Gruschenka are talking about Dmitry. When Katya says, "But now it will be you who save him. You gave your word. " Gruschenka replies, "Ah, no, I never gave you my word. It's you who were saying all that, but I didn't give my word." If that's true, then Katya made her own hopes high, that isn't Gruschenka being a bad person.
"...whatever I want, I will do...what if I like [Dmitry] again all of a sudden because I did like him once very much, I liked him for almost a whole hour. so, maybe I'll go now and tell him to stay with me starting today..." (151). If Gruschenka loves Dmitry then she does have the right to be with him. If she doesn't then she just likes to see others suffer.
Gruschenka definitely has attitude and doesn't let anyone push her around. She made a fool out of Katya when she refused to kiss her hand and brought up Katya's shameful past. This was rude, but it was true; Katya did in a way sell her beauty to Dmitry. I don't think that makes her a scoundrel, just mean.
Dmitry vs. Fyodor
Dmitry does act like a scoundrel to his father, but I don't know if Dmitry can entirely control his anger. The things a man will do for the woman he loves is sometimes over-the-top. When I think of the scene in Chapter 8 of the third book it reminds me of the quote "Jealousy can drive a man mad." (Moulin Rouge) Dmitry acts more like an animal than a human.
There were several obstacles that Dmitry had to overcome to get to Fyodor. Grigory and Smerdyakov had both tried to stop Dmitry in the front hallway. Then Dmitry struggled with Grigory until Dmitry punched him and Grigory fell to the ground. When he had gotten Grigory and Smerdyakov out of his way; Dmitry started screaming at his father. (pg 138)
"..Dmitri raised both hands and suddenly seized the old man by the two surviving wisps of hair on his temples, pulled, and smashed him against the floor. He even had time to kick the fallen man in the face two or three times with his heel." (pg 139) Dmitry had so much anger, he was hitting his father. That's no being honorable at all; the sad part is, the entire brawl is all about a woman.
I have mixed feelings about the way Dmitry treated his father. During the scene, Dmitry wasn't really thinking; he was just so upset that he acted on a whim when he saw Gruschenka running toward Fyodor's house. Maybe he'll feel badly about it later or come to his sense and realize that his family is more important than a prostitute.
There were several obstacles that Dmitry had to overcome to get to Fyodor. Grigory and Smerdyakov had both tried to stop Dmitry in the front hallway. Then Dmitry struggled with Grigory until Dmitry punched him and Grigory fell to the ground. When he had gotten Grigory and Smerdyakov out of his way; Dmitry started screaming at his father. (pg 138)
"..Dmitri raised both hands and suddenly seized the old man by the two surviving wisps of hair on his temples, pulled, and smashed him against the floor. He even had time to kick the fallen man in the face two or three times with his heel." (pg 139) Dmitry had so much anger, he was hitting his father. That's no being honorable at all; the sad part is, the entire brawl is all about a woman.
I have mixed feelings about the way Dmitry treated his father. During the scene, Dmitry wasn't really thinking; he was just so upset that he acted on a whim when he saw Gruschenka running toward Fyodor's house. Maybe he'll feel badly about it later or come to his sense and realize that his family is more important than a prostitute.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Katya
Dmitry is totally a scoundrel. He not only spends the money Katya gave him to mail to Moscow, but spends it with the woman he loves. Dmitry isn't even man enough to tell Katya himself that he doesn't want to be with her either. He was a scoundrel when Katya came to his room for money earlier on in the novel when Katya's father was in trouble.
Katya gave 3000 roubles to Dmitry to send in the mail to Agafya Ivanovna who lived in Moscow. Instead Dmitry ended up at with Grushenka and together they went to Mokroye. Later on Dmitry had told Katya that he had raced to the capital and sent the money and would soon give her the postal receipt. It's malicious of Dmitry to spend Katya's money on the woman he loves since Katya loves him. He's turning his back to Katya and the few morals he might have had to spend time with Gruschenka. (119)
Alyosha was sent to tell some news to Katya even though he had only met her once before. Dmitry is such a baby he's making his brother tell Katya about the money and about Gruschenka. He's the one who got himself into this mess; he should be the one to get himself out. Katya also deserves to be told to her face by Dmitry how he feels about her and what he did with the money. It's a sign of respect.
Before Katya and Dmitry were engaged is when he was the most dishonorable. When Dmitry found out some inside information about the General, Katya's father, he immediately used it as a plan to get revenge against Katya. He was upset with her because she had given him the snuff at a picnic. The general was having money issues so Dmitry offered to give the family money if Katya came over to get it. It totally belittled Katya and Dmitry only did it because Katya hadn't been into him at a picnic.n(111-112)
Katya gave 3000 roubles to Dmitry to send in the mail to Agafya Ivanovna who lived in Moscow. Instead Dmitry ended up at with Grushenka and together they went to Mokroye. Later on Dmitry had told Katya that he had raced to the capital and sent the money and would soon give her the postal receipt. It's malicious of Dmitry to spend Katya's money on the woman he loves since Katya loves him. He's turning his back to Katya and the few morals he might have had to spend time with Gruschenka. (119)
Alyosha was sent to tell some news to Katya even though he had only met her once before. Dmitry is such a baby he's making his brother tell Katya about the money and about Gruschenka. He's the one who got himself into this mess; he should be the one to get himself out. Katya also deserves to be told to her face by Dmitry how he feels about her and what he did with the money. It's a sign of respect.
Before Katya and Dmitry were engaged is when he was the most dishonorable. When Dmitry found out some inside information about the General, Katya's father, he immediately used it as a plan to get revenge against Katya. He was upset with her because she had given him the snuff at a picnic. The general was having money issues so Dmitry offered to give the family money if Katya came over to get it. It totally belittled Katya and Dmitry only did it because Katya hadn't been into him at a picnic.n(111-112)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Fyodor
I think Fyodor has more feelings than I originally thought. After the fight he had with Dmitry about the woman, he showed that he really did love this girl. Maybe not for the right reasons, but he did love her. Although Fyodor gets angry and lies to make a scene, Dostoevsky reveals that it’s not all fun and games for Fyodor; the things people say really do hurt him. He might not the best person in the world, but he is still a person with feelings. I think he carries on the way he does because that’s the only way he knows how to express emotion and let people know how he feels. And now he’s act that way so long, he doesn’t know how to change. He goes above and beyond and is obnoxious because he doesn’t know what else to do; he knows he humiliates himself by his ramblings. When he returned to the monastery to have dinner with the Father Superior, he only did it so he could feel like he wasn’t making a fool out of himself.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Question 3
Basically Ivan said that there should be no separation between Church and state. The two contradict themselves. Ivan explained that "compromise betwee the stae and the church on such questions as courts, for examples, is in my opinion, in its perfect and pure essence, impossible." He thought that Church should not be just a corner of the state, but be involved in the whole state.
Miusov thought that would give all the power to the Roman Catholic Church, but more specifically to the pope. His understanding of what Ivan was saying would lead to a form of socialism. There would be no wars, diplomats, banks, etc.
Zosima answered the debate by saying that in a way what Ivan is talking about already exists. Zosima goes on to explain that without the church, there would be more crimes and there would be no punishment for it later. With the Church and God, now there is a punishment for their afterlife and also the battle the criminal has with his conscience. It's Christ's law that makes a man struggle with his conscience. The Church will also never excommunicate anyone so that the criminal will still have faith and maybe correct their wrongdoings some day. I think he's right with the faith and the conscience, but there are going to be some people that don't care about their conscience still. He also fails to mention that the government is still there and still making laws.
Miusov thought that would give all the power to the Roman Catholic Church, but more specifically to the pope. His understanding of what Ivan was saying would lead to a form of socialism. There would be no wars, diplomats, banks, etc.
Zosima answered the debate by saying that in a way what Ivan is talking about already exists. Zosima goes on to explain that without the church, there would be more crimes and there would be no punishment for it later. With the Church and God, now there is a punishment for their afterlife and also the battle the criminal has with his conscience. It's Christ's law that makes a man struggle with his conscience. The Church will also never excommunicate anyone so that the criminal will still have faith and maybe correct their wrongdoings some day. I think he's right with the faith and the conscience, but there are going to be some people that don't care about their conscience still. He also fails to mention that the government is still there and still making laws.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Elders
The controversy that surrounds the institution of the elders has to do with the history of the elders. Some said that the idea of the elders is fairly new; less than a hundred years. Others in the Orthodox East believed that it would have had to existed more than a thousand years, even maybe dating back to ancient Russian times.
I think the narrator portrays Zosima as sympathetic. In the book it said the monks used to say he was "attached in soul precisely to those who were the more sinful, and that he who was most sinful the elder loved most of all." That's him getting involved with his "victims". The people who went to the monastery told Zosima their sins and sorrows looking for advice and comforting words. Zosima put their bad deeds on his heart and gave the people that came to him advice. He did that so often that it got to the point where he could tell what was on his visitor's mind before the person spoke. After leaving the monastery most of visitors left happy; they had come in feeling scared or worried.
I think the narrator portrays Zosima as sympathetic. In the book it said the monks used to say he was "attached in soul precisely to those who were the more sinful, and that he who was most sinful the elder loved most of all." That's him getting involved with his "victims". The people who went to the monastery told Zosima their sins and sorrows looking for advice and comforting words. Zosima put their bad deeds on his heart and gave the people that came to him advice. He did that so often that it got to the point where he could tell what was on his visitor's mind before the person spoke. After leaving the monastery most of visitors left happy; they had come in feeling scared or worried.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Characters
Fyodor: Fyodor was a drunk and also very tight with his money. He didn't seem to care about anyone but himself. All 3 of his children didn't live with him growing up because he forgot they existed.
Dmitry: He was the oldest of the 3 sons that Fyodor had. He didn't finish high school and joined the military. He did okay for himself but spent large sums of money. The only time he really talke dto his dad was to get money (greedy). He lived wildly and was impatient.
Ivan: Ivan always realized that he was kind of someone's charity case and he didn't like it. He was very very smart and went to a secondary school in Moscow at the age of 13. He then went on to a university. He didn't want to ask anyone for money though so he worked to get money to pay for the rest of his college. He wrote articles that made him known.
Alyosoha: He seems like a very caring and compassionate person. He lived in a monastery and is a man of love. He had always been different from the average boy. A weird aspect about him was that he remembered his mother's touch and her face to a T even though she died when he was four. He's very accepting and doesn't judge others. He is usually loved by everyone, although he was somewhat reserved.
I would not get along with Fyodor at all. He doesn't respect women and is very self-centered. It's hard to get along with a man who is a drunk as well. He just doesn't have some very good qualities about him that I would agree with and get along with. I think he's also money hunger too. He doesn't seem like he cares about anything but that.
Dmitry: He was the oldest of the 3 sons that Fyodor had. He didn't finish high school and joined the military. He did okay for himself but spent large sums of money. The only time he really talke dto his dad was to get money (greedy). He lived wildly and was impatient.
Ivan: Ivan always realized that he was kind of someone's charity case and he didn't like it. He was very very smart and went to a secondary school in Moscow at the age of 13. He then went on to a university. He didn't want to ask anyone for money though so he worked to get money to pay for the rest of his college. He wrote articles that made him known.
Alyosoha: He seems like a very caring and compassionate person. He lived in a monastery and is a man of love. He had always been different from the average boy. A weird aspect about him was that he remembered his mother's touch and her face to a T even though she died when he was four. He's very accepting and doesn't judge others. He is usually loved by everyone, although he was somewhat reserved.
I would not get along with Fyodor at all. He doesn't respect women and is very self-centered. It's hard to get along with a man who is a drunk as well. He just doesn't have some very good qualities about him that I would agree with and get along with. I think he's also money hunger too. He doesn't seem like he cares about anything but that.
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