Readings Classics: Notes From Underground

Description

A collection of powerful stories by one of the masters of Russian literature, illustrating Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s thoughts on political philosophy, religion and above all, humanity.

Dostoevsky’s most revolutionary novel, Notes from Underground marks the dividing line between nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, and between the visions of self each century embodied.

The unnamed narrator of the novel, a former government official, has decided to retire from the world and lead a life of inactivity and contemplation. His fiercely bitter, cynical and witty monologue ranges from general observations and philosophical musings to memorable scenes from his own life, including his obsessive plans to exact revenge on an officer who has shown him disrespect and a dramatic encounter with a prostitute.

Seen by many as the first existentialist novel and showcasing the best of Dostoevsky’s dry humour, Notes from Underground was a pivotal moment in the development of modern literature and has inspired countless novelists, thinkers and film-makers.

Dostoevsky’s most revolutionary novel, Notes from Underground marks the dividing line between nineteenth- and twentieth-century fiction, and between the visions of self each century embodied.

Author Biography

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky was born in Moscow on 11th November 1821. He had six siblings and his mother died in 1837 and his father in 1839. He graduated from the St Petersburg Academy of Military Engineering in 1846 but decided to change careers and become a writer. His first book, Poor Folk, did very well but on 23rd April 1849 he was arrested for subversion and sentenced to death. After a mock-execution his sentence was commuted to hard labour in Siberia where he developed epilepsy. He was released in 1854.

He is known for his profound understanding of human psychology and his ability to bring forth the darkest realms of human nature. Dostoyevsky inspired a number of modern movements including Existentialism, literary criticism and many schools of psychology and theology. He influenced a number of modern philosophers and writers including Anton Chekov, George Orwell and Jean-Paul Sartre. He is best known for his novels tes from Underground (1864), Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (serialized from 1868 to 1869) The Possessed or otherwise known as Demons (serialised from 1871 to 1872) and The Brothers Karamazov (serialised from 1879 to 1880).

His 1860 book, The House of the Dead was based on these experiences. In 1857, he married Maria Dmitrievna Isaeva. After his release he adopted more conservative and traditional values and rejected his previous socialist position. In the following years he spent a lot of time abroad, struggled with an addiction to gambling and fell deeply in debt. His wife died in 1864 and he married Anna Grigoryeva Snitkina. In the following years he published his most enduring and successful books, including Crime and Punishment (1865). He died on 9th February 1881.