Opinions about Dostoyevsky differ greatly. One writer says, "To Dostoyevsky belongs a place beside the Great Christian writers of world literature,” and another calls him "a prophet of God." Another writer, though, calls Dostoyevsky "a sick, cruel talent," and another, "Russia’s evil genius." How would you evaluate the way in which Dostoyevsky used his unquestionable talent? For good, or for evil? Cite a line or two from "Notes from Underground" in support of your evaluation. More Dostoyevsky quotes here: http://www.kiosek.com/dostoevsky/quotations.html
posted by Ancient Art at 2:07 PM
3 Comments:
Although I found this challenging to read, I think that Dostoevsky is a talented author. I had a hard time deciding if this book was more good than evil. Most of the book was very negative sounding. I liked the quote, "Next, you'll be finding pleasure in a toothache!" you will exclaim laughing. "And why not? There is also pleasure in a toothache." I will answer. I think maybe he was making fun of a few things in this book.
Dostoyevsky seems extremely cynical and negative in notes from underground to me. "I am by no means such a mirthful person as you
imagine, or as you may imagine; however, irritated by all this babble." It was fairly difficult to read but from what i understood Dostoyevsky was very unhappy
On section 3, page 99, from "Notes from Underground," I think that Dostoyevsky nails exactly how most Christians feel a lot of the time. "But good Lord, what do I care about the laws of nature and arithmatic if I have my reasons for disliking them..." and "Isn't it much better to recognize the stone walls and the impossibilities for what they are and refuse to accept them if surrendering makes one too sick?" Most Christians get very frustrated with the 10 Commandments and give up on trying to keep them. Also, "Isn't it better, resorting to irrefutable logical constructions, to arrive at he most revolting conclusions on the eternal theme that you too, somehow, share the responsibility for the sone wall..." This quote touches on how we are to blame for our own misery and rules, because we caused sin to enter the world through Adam and Eve. We get frustrated with the world because there is so much pain and horror in it but there is nothing we can do about it. I think that Dostoyevsky talks in ways that seem to be very evil but many of the subjects that he covers deal with Christian subjects.
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