The Brothers Karamazov 2024 - Week 10

[Gem , Moderator]

The Brothers Karamazov
Week 10 - Part Four, Book X

1) I've read an analysis that states, "Some critics have complained that in a novel of such extreme complexity and length, Book X does not contribute to the novel's unity. The section has often been said to be superfluous and a flaw in construction. A reader, they say, is anxiously concerned about Dmitri at this point, not about Ilusha. But because of the heavy chapters of violence, passion, and murder, this section can be explained in terms of Dostoevsky's inserting a healthy bit of youthful fresh air. The reader is relieved from the strain of contemplating Dmitri's fate." How do you feel about Book X? Was it a needed relief or were you anxious to get on with the trial?

2) (Continued from the analysis...) "Perhaps the real purpose of the section is this: Dostoevsky is showing Alyosha as he moves among Russian youth, quietly influencing their lives as a living example of Father Zossima's philosophy. The hope of Russia lies in the young and in the common people, and Alyosha teaches Kolya much in this section. He meets him as an equal and offers him understanding and trust; he teaches Kolya that one cannot judge Ilusha's father, saying that there are people of rare character who have been crushed by life. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

3) Were you surprised by how Alyosha instructs/interacts with Kolya? Do you believe Alyosha's teachings/words will be accepted and understood by Kolya? Can philosophy truly be understood by someone so young? If Kolya doesn't take Alyosha's words to heart do you think he'll integrate these thoughts later in life?

[Nancy]

I tend to think this section wasn’t necessary, but it may lay the ground for something later in the novel. It certainly did establish Alyosha’s continuing influential relationship with the boys of the town, his kindness to the downtrodden, and his tolerance of their flaws. Young Kolya is a spoiled, condescending brat, but even he begins to be ashamed of himself a bit under Alyosha’s kindness. Something that continues to bother me about Dostoevsky’s novels is the too-frequent stories of cruelty to animals. I know it happens - it still happens today - but it is so difficult to read.

[Rafael]

I see kolya as a Russian version of Alex from Clockwork orange by Anthony Burgess. An immature teenager that will mature when it's time.

[Neil]

Well, I enjoyed the chapter regarding the injured foot, especially the antics of Mme Hohlakov, in fact, metaphorically speaking, I’ve fallen in love with her!

Poor Lise! I think she is a little mad. The reference to the railway track stunt took me back a few chapters. I am enjoying Dostoevsky’s writing in this section.

[Jen]

There is philosophy for children, so there are people out there who believe you can get them to think about the big ideas. Not sure about Kolya, though. A 14 year old who prides himself on being tough as nails. so much so that he'll lie underneath a train to prove his point. He does love dogs though, so perhaps there's hope.