The Brothers KaramazovThe Brothers Karamazov is the final novel by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The Brothers Karamazov is a passionate philosophical novel set in 19th century Russia, that enters deeply into the ethical debates of God, free will, and morality. It is a spiritual drama of moral struggles concerning faith, doubt, and reason, set against a modernizing Russia. Dostoyevsky composed much of the novel in Staraya Russa, which inspired the main setting. Since its publication, it has been acclaimed as one of the supreme achievements in literature. The Brothers Karamazov displays a number of modern elements. Dostoyevsky composed the book with a variety of literary techniques. Though privy to many of the thoughts and feelings of the protagonists, the narrator is a self-proclaimed writer; he discusses his own mannerisms and personal perceptions so often in the novel that he becomes a character. Through his descriptions, the narrator's voice merges imperceptibly into the tone of the people he is describing, often extending into the characters' most personal thoughts. In addition to the principal narrator there are several sections narrated by other characters entirely, such as the story of the Grand Inquisitor and Zosima's confessions. This technique enhances the theme of truth, making many aspects of the tale completely subjective. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
afraid Alexey Alyosha answered asked began begin believe better brother brought called Church coming course cried dear Dmitri Fyodorovitch don't door earth elder everything eyes face fact Father feeling felt forgive Fyodor Pavlovitch gave gentlemen girl give Grigory Grushenka hand happened head hear heard heart hour hundred it's Ivan keep kiss knew Kolya lady laughing listen live looked Madame mean mind minute Mitya monastery monk mother never night once pass peasant perhaps position Pyotr question Rakitin remember roubles seemed shouted silent simply sitting Smerdyakov smile soon sort soul speak standing stood suddenly talk tears tell That's there's thing Thou thought three thousand told took town truth turned understand voice waiting whole woman young