Great Works of Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Eternal Husband by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1870) is a compact yet searing psychological novella that delves into the labyrinthine complexities of human relationships and inner torment. In true Dostoyevskian fashion, the narrative unfolds through a series of confessional monologues and charged encounters that reveal the protagonist's struggle with the relentless ghosts of his past. At its core, the work explores the inescapable interplay between love and hatred, guilt and redemption, as the characters are drawn into a vortex of jealousy and moral ambiguity. Dostoyevsky masterfully constructs a world where the past is an ever-present specter-an "eternal husband" that haunts the corridors of memory and challenges the possibility of personal absolution. The austere prose and piercing psychological insight not only expose the fragility of the human soul but also illuminate the paradoxical nature of affection and betrayal. This work prefigures many of the themes that would come to define modern existential literature, making it an essential read for anyone intrigued by the darker recesses of human nature. A compelling blend of irony, despair, and subtle humor, The Eternal Husband stands as a testament to Dostoyevsky's enduring genius. It is a narrative that forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the dualities of our inner lives, ultimately affirming its place as a timeless piece in the canon of world literature-a true must-read before you die.

A Raw Youth is a penetrating examination of moral decay, generational conflict, and the psychological turmoil of a young man struggling to find his place in society. Fyodor Dostoevsky explores the tensions between nihilistic impulses and traditional values, portraying a world where ambition and disillusionment collide. Through the protagonist Arkady Dolgoruky, the novel delves into themes of wealth, power, and the dangerous allure of ideological extremism, reflecting the broader social and philosophical debates of 19th-century Russia. Since its publication, A Raw Youth has been recognized for its intricate psychological depth and its unflinching portrayal of a society in crisis. Dostoevsky's exploration of alienation, the search for identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition ensures the novel's place among his most thought-provoking works. Its engagement with existential and ethical dilemmas continues to resonate, offering a stark meditation on the struggles between idealism and cynicism. The novel's lasting significance lies in its incisive portrayal of human contradictions and the forces that shape personal and societal destiny. By examining the fragile boundaries between integrity and corruption, faith and doubt, A Raw Youth challenges readers to confront the complexities of ambition, morality, and self-realization in an ever-changing world.

The Gambler is a gripping exploration of obsession, risk, and the destructive allure of chance. Fyodor Dostoevsky delves into the psychology of addiction and the compulsions that drive individuals to the edge, set against the backdrop of a European resort town. Through the experiences of Alexei Ivanovich, a tutor ensnared by both gambling and unrequited love, the novel examines themes of power, fate, and the illusion of control, portraying a world where fortunes shift in an instant. Since its publication, The Gambler has been recognized for its intense psychological depth and incisive portrayal of human weakness. Dostoevsky, who himself struggled with gambling addiction, infuses the narrative with firsthand insight, making it a compelling study of self-destruction and the thrill of risk-taking. The novel's exploration of the fine line between ambition and recklessness, as well as its critique of social hierarchy and financial desperation, has secured its place as a vital work in Russian literature. The novel's enduring relevance lies in its ability to dissect the human mind under pressure, revealing the seductive yet ruinous nature of gambling. By illustrating the interplay between personal desire and external forces.

The Grand Inquisitor is a central passage within Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, presented as a parable narrated by Ivan Karamazov. The story is set in Seville during the time of the Inquisition, where Christ returns to Earth and is recognized by the people because of His miracles. However, He is soon arrested by order of the Grand Inquisitor, who accuses Him of threatening the established order of the Church. The Inquisitor argues that humanity, weak and fearful of freedom, does not wish to bear the responsibility of choosing between good and evil. According to him, people prefer to submit to an authority that guarantees bread, security, and guidance, rather than live with the uncertainty of spiritual freedom. In his speech, he claims that the Church has corrected Christ's work, assuming the power to govern in the name of obedience and stability, even at the cost of betraying the original message. The narrative exposes fundamental tensions between freedom and authority, faith and power, truth and convenience. Christ, confronted with the Inquisitor's harsh words, remains silent, responding only with a gesture of love: a kiss. This act encapsulates the radical opposition between coercive power and mercy, leaving open the reflection on humanity's fate and the essence of Christianity. Since its publication, The Grand Inquisitor has been interpreted as one of the most profound meditations on the nature of religious power, human frailty, and the dilemma of freedom, establishing itself as one of the most emblematic and debated passages in world literature.