The Brothers Karamazov (1880)

I downloaded The Brothers Karamazov onto my Kindle because my sister recommended it since I had started reading some Russian literature. I didn't quite realise how renowned it was until I was well into it and various people seemed impressed I was reading an 'epic' novel. That naturally made me take it a little more seriously so that I could give a decent opinion on the text, especially since I know there will be immense works (articles, essays and journals) on it already. 

Dostoyevsky covers so many important themes in the novel with such tact and eloquence that it is a novel that genuinely and gently opens one to debate and reflection. If we look first at the theme of 'religion' in its broadest sense, we'll see how Dostoyevsky explores the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery, monks and the dynamics within the Church of newly introduced innovations. We see a community that is complex, searching and human, with references to corruption and virtue alike, rivalry and friendship, selfishness and selflessness. With the influences of European Enlightenment and theories questioning the existence of God, the Church is put in opposition to a secular belief system. Father Zossima is a character who embodies an intermediary between these worlds, since his being elected an elder is already an innovation from the orthodox Church and he doesn't quite dwell on the physical nature of Hell, contrary to essential Christian beliefs. He is also accused of not being wary enough of the devils, the spiritual demons, perhaps showing a lesser emphasis on the 'scary side' of spirituality, making him more likeable in the eyes of some, and discrediting him in the eyes of others. Dostoyevsky presents atheism and secularism to us in a fashion that doesn't offend, and doesn't attack; it doesn't completely negate the need or role of religion or spirituality but it attempts to make sense of the world and the human condition, human inclinations (base and uplifted) and tries to perceive the world differently. I'd say it was a rather agnostic novel, an honest criticism of the weaknesses in society, and encourages readers to take part in the discourse and examine themselves and their own relationship to the faith or lack of faith they adhere to.

In terms of women, Dostoyevsky portrays them in a rather peculiar fashion. There is no doubt about there being an enormous amount to be said and analysed of the women alone in this novel, since they appear to be so eccentric and in many ways stereotypical but hardly relatable. The only vaguely 'normal' women in the novel seem to be Marfa Ignatyevna, who has to submissively obey her husband Grigory despite her superior intelligence and Ilusha's sister, Varvara, who goes to university and is mentioned quite in passing. Besides these two peripheral ladies, the feminine image is one of hysterics, meddling, spite, and anger with some occasional submission. There is a sense of the women being 'out of control', even of themselves, as their reactions and motives are constantly fluctuating. They are the oxymoron of being somewhat calculating and impulsive at once. Alongside the characterisation, there is a general trend of misogyny from the beginning, which is not necessarily portrayed in a positive light, but is rather quite blatant and matter of fact. The beating of women is mentioned as a cultural norm, though Fyodor Pavolvich also receives some heavy-handed smacks from his first wife. Dostoyevsky does talk about the emancipation of women a few times in the novel, which it would be interesting to read more about, as there is obviously a link between the political powers and rights of women and the characterisation of the ladies in the novel. Generally, however I feel these women are not supposed to be trusted. 

Social class is another main component of the novel, where the core protagonists come from a wealthy (or at least upper class) background. Yet, Dimitri finds himself begging for money and has a reputation of squandering away his wealth recklessly. There is consistently a distinction between the poverty of the rich and that of the peasants for those with status maintain power over those without. Madame Hohlakov and Katerina Ivanovna financially aid the downtrodden Snegiryov family which allows them small comforts and eases their difficulties significantly. These gestures are described both as overtly and detailed to describe the dynamic between the ease of giving for the rich and the desire to accept yet the sense of dignity and self-respect of the lower class which creates a hindrance. Another time the gesture is described as a rather natural act of generosity and care, something that shows the relationship that ought to exist between those who have means, and those who have fewer means. Grushenka also regularly donates money to help those in need, from her cousin to the Poles, despite having been described as stingy and miserly. Father Zossima notes the piety and faith in the hearts of the peasants, underlining the importance they play in the future of the nation and the importance of instilling Christian values in their hearts, for they are intelligent, though simple and ought to be welcomed into the fold of faith and given an education concerning essential Christian values, albeit through stories. Even the young boy Nikolay Krassotkin is aware of intelligent peasants and tries to identify them and engage with them. The end of serfdom is noted as a remarkable turning point in Russian history and this transition has various effects on the social hierarchy, despite it being difficult for some peasants to abandon their roles, such as Grigory, and of course an inconvenience for the aristocracy. Dostoyevsky addresses the issues of social prejudice and attempts to give greater credit to and 'humanise' the peasant experience.  

The question of justice and morality is eventually tied in with the criminal justice system. While the concept of no God and thus no divine laws or sense of morality makes everything lawful we see that this leads to rather disastrous consequences, or at least has the potential to, as 'everything is relative' and so it leads to chaos. With the absence of absolute truth and absolute laws alongside relative laws, for life and humans come with many nuances, begins the search for another balance, another understanding and another way to make sense of the world. Notions of guilt and innocence and punishment, reformation and salvation are all put into question, as Dostoyevsky explores the search for a new social system to liberate people from Christian laws but which nonetheless maintain order. 

The use of psychology in the court case criticises the developing (pseudo)science in a fashion that displays its strengths and as well as its weaknesses. Many aspects of psychology may be considered subjective or lacking enough research behind them to amount to large generalisations. Ultimately both edges of the "sword" turn out to be fascinating and revealing. The insight is convincing though dangerous if used to base the entire case upon. 

I found that The Brothers Karamazov was not as dark and grim as, for example, Crime and Punishment; there is more of a balance of light and dark, hope and despair. We are currently living in a period that is experiencing the consequences of the ideas explored in this novel. In many ways the fact that many have accepted worldview that everything is lawful, while keeping up appearances of being law-abiding, we find ourselves living in a time of constant rebellion and much destruction. Many questions raised in the novel haven't necessarily been resolved and so we find ourselves identifying with the issues, which are so gently and delicately explored, as opposed to the aggressive and somewhat militant approaches of our contemporary age.