This is a repeating event18 January 2023 5:00 pm
Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov
Event Details
As is the case with many novels of its time, The Brothers Karamazov tells a shocking and melodramatic story. A father (greedy, scheming, dissolute) is murdered, and it looks as if one of his three sons is guilty. Or perhaps it was their illegitimate half-brother? The unravelling of the plot takes place in a small village, where everyone has theories about what has been going on, and it culminates in a lengthy interrogation of the main suspect, followed by a seemingly inevitable dramatic and revelatory courtroom scene.
However, the book is so much more than a formulaic whodunnit. Through this story Dostoevsky offers a deeply human perspective on what might appear to be abstract theological issues. He explores Christian beliefs about redemption, love and forgiveness within the context of Russian society, affirming their value and the absolute bedrock provided by a belief in God. Through his portrayal and psychological interrogation of believable, fallible human beings caught up in events and feelings beyond their control, Dostoevsky makes the abstract palpable and engaging. We never lose sight of the fact that we are invited to empathise with a cast of recognisable and often flawed characters, some of whom are unpleasant, selfish and cruel.
If you have no Christian beliefs, a book in which a monk is one of the major characters may seem daunting. However, although Dostoevsky eventually came to adopt Orthodox Christian beliefs, it took him a long time to get there, overcoming his own serious doubts and objections along the way. These difficulties are all represented in the book, especially in its justifiably famous section The Grand Inquisitor. Indeed, it would be hard to find a more compelling account of an atheistic perspective and a desire to produce radical political ideas to solve the problems of society.
Dostoevsky raises issues which face all of us, whatever our perspective. He returns repeatedly to the theme of human suffering. Why is it so prevalent and, in particular, why should children suffer? Even if we don’t share Dostoevsky’s views, we cannot doubt the seriousness of these questions and his handling of them.
And, in case you were wondering, there is much humour in this book . . .
SALON DETAILS:
- Twelve-meeting virtual study (on Zoom) led by Keith Fosbrook and Sarah Snoxall.
- Wednesdays, 5.00-7.00 pm (UK time), starting on 11 January 2023.
- £360 for twelve meetings, including opening notes and resources.
- Recommended editions: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volohkonsky, hardback published by Everyman ISBN 978-1857150704; paperback published by Vintage ISBN 978-0099922803.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND RESOURCES:
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has written and broadcast extensively on Dostoevsky and faith, including:
- Dosteoevsky, Language, Faith and Fiction, ISBN 978-1847064257 (published 2008)
- Dostoevsky and the Russian Soul, BBC Radio 4, November 2021
- One to One: Bridget Kendall with Archbishop Rowan Williams, BBC Radio 4, December 2011
