The Brothers Karamazov Essay

“The Brothers Karamazov” was written in the month of November of 1880 by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, the author from Russia. Published in a sequel in “The Russian Messenger”, the book was intended to be published by the name of “The Life of Great Sinner” in the first place. With an immaculate blend of philosophy, psychology, and theology, the book “The Brothers Karamazov” is rightly considered as a towering masterpiece of Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

The Brothers Karamazov: A Reflection

Opinion towards the Book

“The Brothers Karamazov” is a story about patricide that captivates Dostoyevsky and his three sons Aloyasha, Dmitri, and Ivan into a love-hate resistance. It culminates into a distasteful evolution of the fact that encompasses within its bosom, a real psychological journey which transcends the novel high above the mere story of family rivalry and patricide, “His hands are clean, there is no blood on them! For the sake of his infinite sufferings in the future visit him now. Go; greet him on his way into the darkness- stand at his door that is all… You ought to do it, you ought to! Alyosha concluded by laying immense stress on the word “ought” (Dostoyevsky, “The Brothers Karamazov”, Pg 863).

These lines set me on a spiritual journey and transcend the perception of the book far from the mere paradox of family rivalry and gore and help to understand the way entire Russia fought against modernization. This makes the book great and I feel that this very essence captivated with its pages makes it instrumental, in understanding the evolution in the history of Russia.

Disagreements with the Thesis Captivated within the Book

The novel encompasses some of the deep ethical issues and raises debates concerning the ethics and dilemma pertaining to ‘God’s Free Will’ and morality operating within the framework of moral struggle crafted on the plane based upon the debates concerning doubt and faith, logic and reason, “My forgiveness is no good to you, nor yours to me; whether you forgive me or not, you will always be a sore place in my heart and I in yours – so it must be” (Dostoyevsky, “The Brothers Karamazov”, Pg 869). These words also throw light on the sanctity of moral virtues prevalent in this cosmic order.

A thorough introspection into the novel would culminate into the contention that the entire novel sets the readers on a quest for the existence of God and the faith of mankind upon Him. This is the point where the essential difference of mind lies with that of the author. Dostoyevsky tried to justify the presence of God through his work and not through his will. As a mere mortal, the existence of God cannot be measured only through his blessings and positive action. It is a perception and it can be perceived through the negative will of God as well. To establish the existence of God, his love cannot be the only parameter to feel it and measure it.

 Points of Attraction

The book “The Brothers Karamazov” shall attract the inquisitive minds of any reader. I am not an exception in this regard either. A thorough delineation of the issues related to the cosmic order set in the universe is the most appealing facet of the book. Also, the psychological exercise that is involved in comprehending the book is very enjoyable and makes the nerve cell of a reader truly active. The book is a pleasant journey through the complicated and dark minds of a human psyche and spirit. These points make the book more fascinating to me.

Conclusion

“The Brothers Karamazov” is a novel that is definitely food for thought to every mind engrossed at it. But at the same plane, the novel is instrumental in evoking a purgatory feeling in every mind that gets drenched by the quest for the existence of God and the sanctity of His free will, set in the cosmic order. This book must be read to increase the knowledge of the social transition which Russia faced during its modernization. At the same time, this book also forms an engaging document bearing the pangs of ethical dilemmas faced by mankind for ages. All these factors make this book one of my favorites as it depicts the necessity of thought for a reader.

Reference

 Dostoyevsky, F. & Et. Al. The Brothers Karamazov. Barnes & Noble Classics, 2004.