He’d no sooner paid it than he fell ill, took to his bed, and, three weeks later, softening of the brain set in, and he died five days afterwards.
(Gemini)
You're right, considering the context of stress and the rapid progression of the illness leading to death, a stroke (or multiple strokes) is a plausible interpretation of "softening of the brain" in that particular case. Here's why:
* Stress as a Factor: Significant stress can be a contributing factor to strokes. Elevated blood pressure and other physiological changes associated with stress can increase the risk of cerebrovascular events.
* Rapid Decline: The description of a rapid decline in health, followed by neurological deterioration and death within a few weeks, aligns with the potential consequences of a stroke or a series of strokes.
* Neurological Symptoms: The "softening of the brain" implies a deterioration of brain function, which is a hallmark of stroke. Strokes disrupt blood flow to the brain, leading to cell damage and neurological deficits.
* Age as a Factor: In the 19th century, when "The Brothers Karamazov" was written, medical understanding of stroke was limited, and the term "softening of the brain" could have been used to describe the observable consequences of a stroke.
While other conditions could have contributed to the described symptoms, the rapid onset and progression, coupled with the context of stress, make a stroke a strong possibility.
