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The Idiot

By Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Fyodor Dostoevsky
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky follows Prince Lev Myshkin, a man whose innocence and compassion stand in stark contrast to the cynicism and moral decay of 19th-century Russian aristocracy. Returning from a Swiss sanatorium, Myshkin's honesty is mistaken for idiocy, making him both a target and a mirror for society's flaws. The novel explores deep themes of morality, mental health, and the price of goodness in a corrupt world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Ideal for readers interested in classic literature, psychological depth, and philosophical explorations of innocence versus societal hypocrisy. Suitable for those who appreciate character-driven narratives set against historical and social backdrops.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Idiot is a profound exploration of innocence in a world marred by cynicism, power, and moral decay. At the heart of the novel is Prince Lev Myshkin, a pure and compassionate soul who returns to Russia from a Swiss sanatorium and finds himself entangled in the intrigues of high society. His honesty and kindness, mistaken for idiocy, make him both a target and a mirror for those around him.

Set in the richly complex world of 19th-century Russian aristocracy, the novel examines themes of morality, mental health, and the cost of goodness in a corrupt world. With its deeply psychological portrait of human nature, The Idiot remains a timeless reflection on the clash between innocence and societal hypocrisy.

A haunting tale of innocence misunderstood.

  • Explore the intricate fabric of 19th-century Russian society through Dostoevsky's nuanced storytelling
  • Delve into a psychologically rich narrative that questions the cost of moral integrity
  • Reflect on innocence, goodness, and societal judgment through the unforgettable character of Prince Myshkin
  • Discover a character-driven classic that critiques power, pride, and human frailty
  • Unravel complex emotional and philosophical themes still relevant in modern times

Themes Explored:

  • Psychological portrayal of innocence and morality
  • Society's rejection of compassion and vulnerability
  • Madness, mental health, and existential isolation
  • Love, obsession, and emotional contradictions
  • Critique of aristocracy, power, and hypocrisy

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9789358561562

Publisher: Prakash Books India Private Limited

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 June 2023

Country: India

Imprint: Prakash Books India Private Limited

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 0g

Pages: 656

Collections

Biography & Memoir Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Crime & Thriller Fiction Fyodor Dostoevsky Fyodor Dostoyevsky General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Psychological Thriller

About the Author

The most important Russian author of his time, Fyodor Mikhaylovich Dostoyevsky (also spelled Dostoevsky) was born on November 11, 1821, in Moscow. From a young age, he was introduced to literature by way of fairy tales and folk tales narrated to him. After completing his studies, Dostoevsky became a sub-lieutenant. In 1843, he began to work as a lieutenant engineer. His first piece of writing, a translation of Balzac's Eugénie Grandet, was published in the same year. Poor Folk, Dostoevsky's first novel was published in 1846.Between 1846 and 1849, Dostoevsky wrote works that were face-paced narratives. His short stories were featured regularly in Annals of the Fatherland, such as 'The Landlady', 'A Weak Heart', and 'Wild Nights'. Dostoevsky also published a monthly magazine Vremya under the editorship of his brother. Borne out of Dostoevsky's traumatic experiences and the misery of his general life and constant poverty, sprung out his masterpiece--Crime and Punishment. Dostoevsky wrote many other notable works such as Notes from the Underground (1864), Idiot (1868-69), The Possessed (1873), The Adult (1875), and The Brothers Karamazov (1881), which was his last work. On February 9, 1881, Dostoevsky breathed his last after he suffered multiple haemorrhages.

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