When i first bought this book (my first Dostoevsky), I randomly opened it to the line 'and he threw the dog out the window'. Now its also one of my favourite books/scenes.
@Chris Dierolf nastasya had that crazy factor that draws me like a moth to flame, lol. I always wonder if Dostoyevsky based these characters on the women from his own love life.
It is a great book. So dense. A bit too many characters for me. Did anyone else find that the number of characters made it confusing? Anyway, there was masterful dialogue.
It's a demanding read but isnt life demanding in its grand scope? All the faces and characters you meet and struggle to remember and keep track of? The complex plots that weave through yours and your circles of friends lives? That's what makes Dostoevsky's work so great, he isn't laying it out simply for you. If it were more cautious and simple, it'd leave you little to chew on for years to come. That's what makes his work so immensely rereadable.
My favorite Dostoevsky novel. I’m not sure why academics almost dismiss The Idiot, or ignore it completely. My guess is university types do not wish to engage or admit that Dostoevsky’s fix for Russia and the modern world is religious. Anyways, you should go to Amazon and order The Idiot done by Russian tv and stars Evgeny Mironov. Mironov is Prince Myshkin . Entire production captures perfectly every character in the book. Even the 15 year old kid that runs from house to house carrying messages about arrivals and departures is perfect. Brilliant.
Honestly I believe the lack of praise stems from the somewhat disheveled plot and the lack of things happening (even though much happens philosophically) It's a very misunderstood book that challenged my own attention and interest but turned out to be a diamond in the rough. The social and spiritual implications are what is compelling about this book, whereas the plot (or some would say, lack thereof) serves to bolster the intense ideas of the novel.
Great discussion of one of my favorite books - its been a while since I read it though. I agree, it is pointless to try and go through the plot in books like this, because the plot is just one small element of the whole.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I finished it yesterday and what a great book it was. What can I say other than a lot of things happens and at the same time not in this book. Anyways, I want to share with you my favorite part of the book that brought me to tears. So, when Ippolit read his message to why he wanted to die. I don't know but the metaphor with Columbus reaching America is so beautiful. I am not going to spoil anything... But the ones that have read this book knows for sure what I am talking about.
Yea but what's the message he's trying to convey? He's pointing out a fundamental paradox in human morality. We all laud the ideal of goodness but yet that ideal is fundamentally at odds with our nature. So much so that in our minds we consider it to be the highest value but when we see it in the real world we scoff at it, it becomes something completely foreign to us, it appears childish and silly, it appears to us as a way in which only an idiot would behave in and yet we still yearn for it. All of the characters felt an attraction to the prince even though simultaneously they scoffed at him. And that paradox is why he completely goes insane at the end because he realizes that he is completely incompatible with the real world and his presence of good ironically causes harm because those around him cannot live up to that impossible standard of goodness and it hurts them to be compared to him.
Yeah, you said it beautifully. He didn’t do it justice here, unlike his Demons by Dostoevsky review. Pretty good to see how far he’s come in improving his review/story telling though, wouldn’t you agree?
I love Myschkin and Aglaya together. The scene at the green park bench where they start flirting is hands down my favorite section of the book, its so adorable! So many plot twists, I felt like I had a new favorite character every page!
Dostoyevsky is a legend and one of my favourite authors as well. Thank you for doing this video! I am hesitant to add any of his books to my book clubs reading list, due to their length but will undoubtedly continue to work through his entire library myself. P.s. I enjoyed the guy behind the camera when y'all would laugh
My first impression was a very strong one,’ repeated the prince. ‘When they took me away from Russia, I remember I passed through many German towns and looked out of the windows, but did not trouble so much as to ask questions about them. This was after a long series of fits. I always used to fall into a sort of torpid condition after such a series, and lost my memory almost entirely; and though I was not altogether without reason at such times, yet I had no logical power of thought. This would continue for three or four days, and then I would recover myself again. I remember my melancholy was intolerable; I felt inclined to cry; I sat and wondered and wondered uncomfortably; the consciousness that everything was strange weighed terribly upon me; I could understand that it was all foreign and strange. I recollect I awoke from this state for the first time at Basle, one evening; the bray of a donkey aroused me, a donkey in the town market. I saw the donkey and was extremely pleased with it, and from that moment my head seemed to clear.’ ‘A donkey? How strange! Yet it is not strange. Anyone of us might fall in love with a donkey! It happened in mythological times,’ said Madame Epanchin, looking wrathfully at her daughters, who had begun to laugh. ‘Go on, prince.’ ‘Since that evening I have been specially fond of donkeys. I began to ask questions about them, for I had never seen one before; and I at once came to the conclusion that this must be one of the most useful of animals-strong, willing, patient, cheap; and, thanks to this donkey, I began to like the whole country I was travelling through; and my melancholy passed away.’
The Idiot is also one of my favorite books. I read that Dostoevsky said about the book “I regret the book but not the idea”, or something. He wasn’t really proud of it, which is shocking because it’s such a moving and memorable plot in my opinion. I suggest you read Bakhtin’s literary criticism of Dostoevsky, it’s very complicated but interesting. You might like it.
I'm Russian and The Idiot is my favorite Dostoyevsky novel. I know that for many people this novel is overshadowed by C&P and Brothers K, but for me this jewel shines on its own.
@@MayberryBookclub Hi! I read Russian literature in Russian and English/American literature in English, so I can't give you any helpful advise here. The only Russian book that I've read in both languages is "The Grey House" by Mariam Petrosyan. It's not a classical literature, but it's a very special novel to read. Both in Russian and English you either love it (my case) or stop reading it in confusion. It feels slightly more difficult in English than in Russian, but maybe it's because I'm Russian myself. The translation of such a complicated thing was great nevertheless (and there's only one translation). Maybe you can check it out, though it's "not for everyone" type of book :)
The Idiot is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, published in 1868. The novel tells the story of Prince Lev Nikolayevich Myshkin, a young man who returns to Russia after several years in a Swiss sanatorium. Myshkin is often referred to as "the idiot" because of his childlike innocence and lack of practicality. The novel explores themes of love, faith, and the destructive power of jealousy and greed. The Idiot is considered one of Dostoevsky's greatest works and is widely studied in literature courses. If you are interested in reading The Idiot, it is available in many bookstores and libraries, or you can find it in digital format online.
Love the cat. Thank you for the discussion. You didn’t get the story about the money and the fire quite right, but that’s the interesting thing about reading, we all take different things away from a book. I loved “The Idiot.” My favorite D book, at least right now.
First of all I want to say thank you for posting this! I just finished the book and don't have anyone in my inner circle who has recently read it. That's why I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this so much. The scenes you pointed out are amazing and I would like to point out one or two more things I was thinking while you recalling them. General Iwolgin (at least thats his name in the german translation by Swetlana Geier), who tells the story with the dog and the cigar as if it was something he experienced himself, made me realize that one of the things that fascinate me about this book is that every character that is brought up, no matter how much he lies or deceives others, is presented from a standpoint that makes you empathize with them. I don't know if this is only me, but I feel like because I experience this depressing view on Russia at the side of the prince I constantly have to ask myself if my perception of the characters or plot is as naïve as the one of the prince. Do I see through the intentions of people? Do I know when someone is lying when it's not resolved like in the scene you pointed out? And even if someones lie seems obvious: Do I get the intention? Does the character itself get the intention and effects of their action? My personal feeling is that one big point in this book is that you get a feeling for the deepness of the characters and in the same way human beings in general. I never really got the feeling of a complete person being presented. I felt rather confronted with the unpredictability and randomness of human thought and action. Most of the time it seems that although everyone is calling Lew ( the prince ) an idiot, he is not the one who behaves idiotic. The game that the people in this society play seems to be idiotic in itself and therefore makes them behave foolishly. Maybe its because of the twisted relationship between gesture and sincerity ... Would love to hear anyones thoughts on this!
Thank you for watching and thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I only speak one language and I'm always fascinated with how different works are interpreted and received in different languages. Like reading Shakespeare in German, or Herman Melville in French, or Goethe in Spanish etc. I wonder how different Dostoevsky is in different languages.. and of course what it must be like to read in the original Russian. In any event, I'm constantly amazed how Dostoevsky can write characters that are both archetypes and also rounded and human. The empathy I felt for nearly all of the characters in The Idiot is because they felt real, not only that, but that I've met them. In my experience, when I interact with someone in person my first instinct is to believe what they are saying, to believe them, not because I'm gullible but that I just don't question whether or not someone is being sincere in the moment. Someone has to seriously break my trust before I begin to assume everything they say is a lie. I'm rambling, but I bring all this up to relate back to Dostoevsky's characters, they have that sense of realness, and complexity. I empathize with all of the characters because I want to believe them. That is something that make the book so brilliant. I hope what I said somehow relates back to your own thoughts. Again thank you so much. Best regards,
I think its important to note that the rubles in the book are worth vastly more than current dollars, the 100k would be a small fortune. I did a conversion to about 3 million current dollars, but that could be off.
I have to say Fyodor D is the best at writing ensemble interactive dialogue. Way to go Matt in mentioning this.good insight. I’m really pleased someone mentioned this. Dostoevsky writes another great scene of this type in the Brothers K at the monastery.
This is my first time on this channel and I loved the “format” of this review (or of this comment) you just did. It seems to me that it’s a video made by a true passionate reader instead of one made by those youtubers/influencers hunting for likes to monetize their channel (which is also great, but doesn’t appeal to me). Thank you, cheers.
Awesome take and thanks for giving your thoughts. This one has been in my possession for a few months and I didn't know how it ranked against other dostoevsky. Can't wait to read it now! :)
My age 17 Daughter is reading this, I have not. Wanted to check it out. Cool- I should read it. And that feels good. If she want's a book, she gets it.
Hello! If you mean the person in front of the camera, that's me and I do have a RU-vid channel! If you mean the person speaking behind the camera, that is my friend Ben!
@@MayberryBookclub I mean you then! You are very engaging and have a great style, I didnt realise the bookclub was your personal channel, will subscribe. Keep up the good work, anything Russian or from the late 19th century I love!
Why thank you! I enjoy Russian literature as well. Next month I am hosting a Karamazov Brothers read along, which you might find interesting. I'll be posting videos as I go through the book. Best regards,
My favourite scene was the soiree where Ferdyshchenko suggested a game; to divulge to the other guests the most disgraceful act one has committed in their life... What an idea!
in comparison to crime and punishment and brothers karamazof this novel was like reading a tea party script between gossiping women! those 2 are masterpiece but this one.... 😒 and I dont like the theme of going crazy and mental breakdown being so repeated in his novels.
@@MayberryBookclub crime and Punishment. The dangers of being a loner. We can rationalise evil if we spend too much time alone. I also like Notes from the underground. Even though the narrator is despicable I found I could relate to some of his resentment. 😀
Yes, that is one fine curious kitty all right, careful, they tend to grow and grow, pretty soon it's just a cat. My interest in the novel is due to my ambition to be a slightly different sort of idiot, the type who retains a childlike fascination with the little things that generally garner the contempt of the familiar, much like your sweet little kitty there. I've found the novel a bit to intricate and involved, a bit too much for my limited attention span and I do believe I'll need to be content with the film version if I can find it. So thanks for shooting and posting a good video for us.
Daphne just turned one the other day, and she's grown into a beautiful little cat! Dostoyevsky can be an intimidating writer. Most of his novels take me two or three reads to really enjoy. If you haven't already, I would recommend reading his short stories, or novellas. Also you may be interested, there was a Demons mini series available on Amazon video, it was a Russian production with English subtitles. It was fantastic! Thank you for watching, best regards.
I{ve been slow getting around to this video. This is my favourite of all Doestoevskis novels, and the reason is that Myshkin is a believable Christ' like character, but it isnt necessary to buy into Dostoevskis religious views which I find rather repulsive, in order to appreciate the character and his inability to function in a world that is permeated with greed, dishonesty, and unspeakable passions. It does read like a soap opera, Id call it a melodrama. It is easily adapted to the stage but where I disagree with you is that I think the plot is very important. The dynamic between Myshkin. Aglaia, Nastasya and Roghozhin move the plot along very nicely. With the exception of Myshkin, all of the main characters are neurotic to say the least. The women especially Nastasya are nearly hysterical, and Roghozhin murderously-- obsessed with her. Aglaia isnt far behind. She ends by marrying a Polish man. According to one work I read for Dostoevski her marriage was a fate worse than death, so low was his estimation of the Poles. Rather messy but it makes great theatre. There was a Japanese movie made out of this story shortly after WWII. Ive seen it but I forget the title. And yes, I adapted it. In fact I adapted most of his major novels including Crime and Punishment, A Raw Youth, and Notes From the Underground. I never had the courage to attempt The Brothers Karamazov, and Camus had already adapted The Demons. But some years later I came across a French adaptation of Karamazov, and translated that. There are a couple other French adaptations still in copyright that Im interested in but they will have to wait. Nice review. i
For me, I was waiting for something good to happen the entire time. It’s the weakest Dostoyevsky book imo. Stands nothing up to Demons, C&P, NFTU. 500 pages in and I give up.
Yea but what's the message he's trying to convey? He's pointing out a fundamental paradox in human morality. We all laud the ideal of goodness but yet that ideal is fundamentally at odds with our nature. So much so that in our minds we consider it to be the highest value but when we see it in the real world we scoff at it, it becomes something completely foreign to us, it appears childish and silly, it appears to us as a way in which only an idiot would behave in and yet we still yearn for it. All of the characters felt an attraction to the prince even though simultaneously they scoffed at him. And that paradox is why he completely goes insane at the end because he realizes that he is completely incompatible with the real world and his presence of good ironically causes harm because those around him cannot live up to that impossible standard of goodness and it hurts them to be compared to him. So yea I guess it's just a simple little story about Jesus coming to Russia lol.
It has major structural problems (it was published serially), but it is an extraordinary book in its analysis of how goodness works out practically in a fallen world. (This speaker is singularly incapable of saying anything remotely important about the novel.)
I'm sorry to disappoint! I think I've gotten better at talking about books in front of a camera. I just finished a Crime and Punishment read along video series and I think the format works much better for big long novels. I'm just a person trying to talk about the books I'm reading, constructive criticism is always welcome. All the best,
1) Try hanging your shirts up in the closet, on a hanger, as opposed to folding them into a bacon-neck, crumbled atrocity; looks like you pulled your shirt out of your pocket. 2) You don’t need someone sitting behind the camera huffing and giggling, you can easily record these videos on your own. Bye. Definitely not subscribing.
