Questions About The Brothers Karamazov

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Answered Questions (54)

I gave up on this book awhile ago because I disliked every single character and didn't care to find out what happened to them. I'm thinking about going back to it now because I don't like unfinished books. Will someone tell me if any likable characters show up? I'm not very far in and will probably have to start over (gah), but I need someone to like in this book.

Brendan Caulfield I think you're coming at it the wrong way. This isn't meant to be light reading; It's heavy-duty philosophy cloaked as a novel.

Each character is a per…moreI think you're coming at it the wrong way. This isn't meant to be light reading; It's heavy-duty philosophy cloaked as a novel.

Each character is a personification of an argument that duke it out in various ways throughout the book.

I found it to be one of the most pure insights into the human condition that I have ever read (besides Dostoyevsky's other books...) You might appreciate it more if you approach it in that light.

It also might not be what you're interested in which is fine too.(less)

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How do you find the character of Pavel Fyodorovich, aka Smerdyakov, in contrast to Ivan? Who among the two represents the 'intellectual' dimension? The character of Smerdyakov is somewhat portrayed as 'evil,' but what about his mind, or the way he posed his challenge to Ivan?

Utkarsh Detha While it is true that Smerdyakov chose wrong means and lacked the virtues one is expected to have (courage, honesty etc.) he was in no way inferior to…moreWhile it is true that Smerdyakov chose wrong means and lacked the virtues one is expected to have (courage, honesty etc.) he was in no way inferior to Ivan in intellect. I think the reason behind this were the unjust norms of the society. Unlike Ivan, Smerdyakov the bastard had to live like a servant. He had no filial rights whatsoever. He wanted to pursue his own dreams but for that he had no support from anyone. Even though Fyodor Karamazov was the worst a father could be, his legitimate sons enjoyed certain privileges that Smerdyakov did not. These privileges came with their name. This was the main reason (as far as I could understand) why Smerdyakov devoted his intellect to petty issues, like manipulating others etc to achieve what he wanted (He dreamed of moving to France). Ivan on the other hand could afford to spend his intellectual resources on 'lofty' issues like the existence of god, etc. Smerdyakov was nearly as capable as Ivan, if not more. He was just deprived of the luxuries (to him, they were luxuries) that the name Karamazov gave to Ivan.

He was able to manipulate Ivan, implant ideas in the minds of everyone and most remarkably the Prosecutor's mind ( the Defense lawyer, Fetyukovich was able to see through his deception and considered him to be a very clever man). This corroborates his superior intellect.(less)

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Before starting in on this, I was thinking that maybe I should grease the mental skids with something a bit lighter. I can handle the multiple threads, but the Russian source may prove to be a bit alien to me. Any suggestions?

Paul All on Earth should read Greene's 'The Power & the Glory' as it has similar moral complexities and philosophical debates but more emotive due to the s…moreAll on Earth should read Greene's 'The Power & the Glory' as it has similar moral complexities and philosophical debates but more emotive due to the startling content and some of the best descriptive passages in literature. Maybe you've already read it(less)

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I want to read another novel by Dostoevsky--what's another of his novels that you have read and recommend? (I have read Crime and Punishment.)

Srđan I'd suggest you read Notes from the Underground. It's fairly short but it can leave such a big impact.…moreI'd suggest you read Notes from the Underground. It's fairly short but it can leave such a big impact.(less)

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PLEASE SOMEONE ANSWER THIS, I BEG YOU I'm about 150 pages into this novel and I have just been told by someone who the murderer is. Has the book been ruined on me? How far in to the novel is it that the murderer is revealed? I'm so upset that someone has spoiled this on me, please tell me that it's not revealed at the very end. Please.

R.C. This is not a mystery novel. The essence of the book does not lie in who is the murderer. There is no big investigation or anything. It doesn't ruin t…moreThis is not a mystery novel. The essence of the book does not lie in who is the murderer. There is no big investigation or anything. It doesn't ruin the book at all, it's not really a book you can "spoil", in my opinion. It's an experience, and it's worth it. Even if someone told you everything about it, it would still be worth it I think.(less)

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