Idiot (with CD)

Author: Dostoevsky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: "The Idiot" is one of Dostoevsky's representative works, written in 1868. "The Idiot" reflects the picture of the bourgeoisie's increasing corruption, debauchery, and shamelessness during the collapse of serfdom and the rise of capitalism in Russia, and also portrays the author's ideals. Prince Mishkin is a "positive" and "good person" in the author's eyes, embodying the author's humanitarian and religious spirit. Prince Mishkin is pure and kind, harboring strong dissatisfaction with the unequal society and yearning for a world of equality and friendship. He is the "absolutely beautiful figure" spoken of by Dostoevsky, almost a "reincarnation of Christ." However, when he enters the upper class of St. Petersburg, he is powerless to save the world's suffering or cleanse the world's sins. Such ideals can only fail utterly, with the ideal figure becoming an "idiot," reflecting the contradictions in Dostoevsky's thought. Natasha is another protagonist in the novel. She comes from a noble family, lost her parents, is intelligent and beautiful, but is possessed by the nobleman Totsky who adopted her.