The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Name: The Idiot
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Idiot is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1868. It tells the story of Prince Myshkin, a young man with a kind heart and a strong moral compass, who returns to Russia after spending four years in a Swiss sanatorium. Upon his return, Myshkin finds himself in the midst of a complex web of relationships, rivalries, and intrigues. He quickly becomes the object of attention for a variety of characters, including the beautiful and manipulative Nastasya Filippovna, the wealthy and powerful Rogozhin, and the ambitious and scheming General Yepanchin. As Myshkin navigates the social and moral complexities of his new life, he finds himself increasingly drawn to Nastasya Filippovna, and the two eventually fall in love. However, their relationship is threatened by the machinations of Rogozhin, who is determined to possess Nastasya for himself. The novel culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Myshkin and Rogozhin, in which Myshkin's moral strength and compassion are put to the ultimate test. In the end, Myshkin's goodness and innocence prevail, and he is able to save Nastasya from Rogozhin's clutches.

By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1868 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 50 chapters · 245,281 words

First lines

Towards the end of November, during a thaw, at nine o'clock one morning, a train on the Warsaw and Petersburg railway was approaching the latter city at full speed. The morning was so damp and misty that it was only with great difficulty that the day succeeded in breaking; and it was impossible to distinguish anything more than a few yards away from the carriage windows.

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The Idiot is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1868 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Date: 1868 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Romance
Length: 245,281 words
Structure: 50 chapters, 8,080 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Philosophical Fiction — The Idiot is a novel that explores philosophical themes such as the meaning of life, morality, and the nature of suffering.
Realism — The Idiot is a realistic novel that portrays the lives of its characters in a detailed and accurate manner.
Psychological Fiction — The Idiot is a novel that delves into the psychological depths of its characters, exploring their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Drama — The Idiot is a novel that is filled with dramatic moments and intense emotions.