Works of Dostoevsky: The Brothers Karamazov

Author: (Russian) Dostoevsky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The novel The Possessed is based on the 1871 Russian anarchist Nечаев murder case and vilifies and attacks the progressive youth revolutionary movement of the time. Peter Stepanovich, modeled after Nечаев, is a shameless, heartless conspirator, a political charlatan who rises to prominence through revolution. He manipulates the secret organization "The Five" to incite members to disrupt fundraising activities, set fires near the donation sites, and, under the pretext of suspecting student Shatov of informing, uses malicious provocation, deception, and intimidation to force the group members to murder Shatov, who knew too much. Afterward, he lures the atheist Kirilov to admit everything, write a suicide note, and shoot himself, while escaping unharmed. The author also portrays another "possessed" figure, Nikolai Stavrogin, a nobleman without moral principles, a lecherous scoundrel who exploits women's emotions, as well as the nurturer of these two "possessed" figures, Stepan Trofimovich, a Westernized liberal whose appearance is distorted. In short, these characters embody the anarchist traits the author imposes on Russian revolutionaries, subjecting them to bitter satire. Despite this, the novel ultimately exposes and critiques Russia's upper bureaucracy and aristocratic bourgeoisie, offering some insight into the social conditions of the time. Additionally, the author's skill in psychological analysis and plot construction fully demonstrates his artistic talent and mastery, often leaving readers in awe.