The Possessed by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Name: The Possessed
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky

The novel follows the lives of a group of radical revolutionaries in a small Russian town. The main characters are Pyotr Verkhovensky, a nihilist and leader of the revolutionaries, and Stepan Verkhovensky, his father. The novel follows the group as they attempt to overthrow the government and create a new society based on their own ideals. The novel is a psychological exploration of the characters and their motivations. It examines the effects of nihilism and radicalism on the characters and their relationships with each other. It also examines the effects of the revolutionary movement on the townspeople and their reactions to it. The novel is considered to be one of Dostoevsky's greatest works and is often seen as a precursor to the modern psychological novel. It is also seen as a critique of the nihilism and radicalism of the time.

By Fyodor Dostoevsky · First published 1871 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 25 chapters · 254,634 words

First lines

The fete took place in spite of all the perplexities of the preceding "Shpigulin" day. I believe that even if Lembke had died the previous night, the fete would still have taken place next morning--so peculiar was the significance Yulia Mihailovna attached to it. Alas! up to the last moment she was blind and had no inkling of the state of public feeling. No one believed at last that the festive day would pass without some tremendous scandal, some "catastrophe" as some people expressed it, rubbing their hands in anticipation. Many people, it is true, tried to assume a frowning and diplomatic countenance; but, speaking generally, every Russian is inordinately delighted at any public scandal and disorder. It is true that we did feel something much more serious than the mere craving for a scandal: there was a general feeling of irritation, a feeling of implacable resentment; every one seemed thoroughly disgusted with everything. A kind of bewildered cynicism, a forced, as it were, strained cynicism was predominant in every one. The only people who were free from bewilderment were the ladies, and they were clear on only one point: their remorseless detestation of Yulia Mihailovna. Ladies of all shades of opinion were agreed in this. And she, poor dear, had no suspicion; up to the last hour she was persuaded that she was "surrounded by followers," and that they were still "fanatically devoted to her."

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The Possessed is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, dated 1871 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
Date: 1871 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Satire
Length: 254,634 words
Structure: 25 chapters, 8,569 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Philosophical Fiction — The Possessed is a novel that explores philosophical themes such as the nature of evil, the power of reason, and the role of the individual in society.
Realism — The Possessed is a realistic novel that portrays the lives of its characters in a detailed and accurate manner.
Psychological Fiction — The Possessed is a novel that delves into the psychological states of its characters, exploring their inner thoughts and motivations.
Satire — The Possessed is a satirical novel that uses humor and irony to criticize the social and political conditions of 19th century Russia.