The Idiot: An Encyclopedic Guide to Dostoevsky's Masterpiece

Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Idiot is a sprawling and complex novel that has captivated readers for over a century. The novel tells the story of Prince Myshkin, a young man of extraordinary kindness and innocence who returns to Russia after spending many years in Switzerland. Myshkin's naivete and idealism clash with the corrupt and cynical world he encounters, and he soon finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal.

The Idiot is a profound and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the nature of human suffering. It is also a deeply moving story about love, loss, and redemption.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about The Idiot, from a detailed summary of the plot to in-depth analyses of the characters and themes. We will also provide you with a variety of resources to help you further explore this classic work of literature.

The Idiot (explanatory notes, full navigation, illustrated) (Best Russian Classics Book 7)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2566 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	955 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The novel begins with the arrival of Prince Myshkin in St. Petersburg. Myshkin is a young man of extraordinary kindness and innocence, and he soon becomes a favorite of the city's high society. However, Myshkin's naivete and idealism clash with the corrupt and cynical world he encounters, and he soon finds himself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal.

Myshkin's main love interest is Nastasya Filippovna, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who has been the victim of abuse and exploitation. Myshkin falls deeply in love with Nastasya, but she is torn between her love for him and her desire for a more conventional life.

The novel also features a number of other memorable characters, including:

• Rogozhin: A wealthy and passionate man who is also in love with Nastasya Filippovna.
• Ganya: A young man who is consumed by ambition and greed.
• Aglaya: A young woman who is intelligent and independent, but also vain and selfish.
• Ippolit: A young man who is dying of consumption and is consumed by bitterness and despair.

The novel reaches its climax at a party that Myshkin throws for his friends. At the party, Nastasya Filippovna is humiliated by Rogozhin, and Myshkin is forced to confront his own powerlessness. The novel ends with Myshkin suffering a nervous breakdown and being institutionalized.

The characters in The Idiot are some of the most complex and memorable in all of literature. Dostoevsky's characters are often contradictory and flawed, but they are also deeply human and relatable.

Prince Myshkin is the central character in The Idiot. He is a young man of extraordinary kindness and innocence, and he is often compared to Christ. However, Myshkin is also naive and idealistic, and he often fails to understand the complex world around him.

Nastasya Filippovna is a beautiful and enigmatic woman who has been the victim of abuse and exploitation. She is torn between her love for Myshkin and her desire for a more conventional life.

Rogozhin is a wealthy and passionate man who is also in love with Nastasya Filippovna. He is a complex and contradictory character who is capable of both great kindness and violence.

Ganya is a young man who is consumed by ambition and greed. He is a ruthless and calculating character who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Aglaya is a young woman who is intelligent and independent, but also vain and selfish. She is in love with Myshkin, but she is also jealous of Nastasya Filippovna.

Ippolit is a young man who is dying of consumption and is consumed by bitterness and despair. He is a complex and tragic character who represents the darker side of human nature.

The Idiot is a novel that explores a wide range of themes, including:

• Good and evil: The novel explores the nature of good and evil, and the struggle between the two forces within the human soul.
• Faith and doubt: The novel also explores the nature of faith and doubt, and the search for meaning in a world that is often cruel and unjust.
• The nature of human suffering: The novel also explores the nature of human suffering, and the ways in which we can find meaning and hope in the face of adversity.

The Idiot has been praised by critics for its complex characters, its profound themes, and its beautiful prose. The novel has been translated into over 100 languages and has been adapted into several films and television series.

There are a number of resources available to help you further explore The Idiot, including:

• The Idiot study guide: This study guide provides a detailed summary of the plot, characters, and themes of the novel.
• The Idiot discussion questions: These discussion questions can help you to think more deeply about the novel and its themes.
• The Idiot online resources: This website provides a variety of resources on The Idiot, including essays, articles, and reviews.

The Idiot is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. The novel offers a profound exploration of the human condition, and it is sure to stay with you long after you finish reading it.

The Idiot (explanatory notes, full navigation, illustrated) (Best Russian Classics Book 7)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2566 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	955 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE