Fyodor Dostoevsky – The Wisdom of a Genius

Demons, also known as The Possessed or The Devils, is a novel that critiques the political and moral nihilism prevalent in Russia during the 1860s. The story is set in a fictional town that descends into chaos due to an attempted revolution orchestrated by Pyotr Verkhovensky. The novel focuses on Nikolai Stavrogin, a mysterious and charismatic figure, and explores themes of ideology, murder, and the psychological and moral implications of atheism. It was inspired by a real political murder in 1869 and combines elements of satire, philosophical inquiry, and psychological insight to depict how destructive ideas can influence individuals and society.

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.

Written by Fyodor Dostoyevsky between 1867 and 1869, 'The Idiot' follows the story of Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man with a pure and innocent heart, often mistaken for an 'idiot' due to his simplicity and goodness. The novel examines how this 'positively beautiful man' navigates a world filled with corruption, moral decay, and complex human relationships. Myshkin's interactions with characters like Nastasya Filippovna and Aglaia Epanchina highlight themes of love, suffering, sacrifice, and the clash between idealistic values and the harsh realities of society. The novel ultimately leads to Myshkin's mental breakdown and his inability to cope with the world around him.

This novel is a fictionalized account of Dostoevsky's four-year imprisonment in a Siberian labor camp. The story follows the narrator, Alexander Petrovitch Goryanchikov, who is sentenced to ten years of hard labor for murdering his wife. The book provides vivid details of the brutal conditions, punishments, and the psychological effects of imprisonment. It also explores themes of hope and despair, and the complex social dynamics within the prison. The narrative is structured around themes rather than a continuous story, reflecting Dostoevsky's own experiences and observations during his time in the camp.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Poor Folk" is considered his debut novel, marking a significant moment in Russian literature. Published in 1846, it established Dostoevsky's unique style and psychological depth. The novel follows the lives of Makar Devushkin, a poor clerk, and Varvara Dobroselova, a young woman, and their epistolary exchange reveals their emotional vulnerabilities and social struggles. The novel's exploration of poverty, alienation, and human compassion resonated with readers and critics alike, catapulting Dostoevsky into the literary spotlight. Its influence on subsequent Russian realism is undeniable, paving the way for Dostoevsky's later masterpieces.