“Notes From The Underground” by Fyodor Dostoevsky (or Feodor Dostoevsky) is a seminal work of classic literature that explores the inner thoughts and motivations of a deeply troubled individual known only as the “Underground Man.” This novel, first published in 1864, is considered one of the earliest works of existentialist literature, and it remains a powerful and thought-provoking read even today.
The protagonist of the story is a man who has withdrawn from society and now lives in isolation. He is a bitter, angry, and unhappy individual, and the narrative of the novel is framed as a series of notes or diary entries that he has written. Through these notes, we learn about his experiences, his thoughts and feelings, and his interactions with the people and world around him.
The premise revolves around this narrator’s complex psychological state that struggles between freedom and despair, creating many entertaining but painful episodes for him. The book also serves as great commentary about how much our culture values conformity over individuality based on underlying themes; it presents such as power dynamics, pain vs pleasure, and detachment vs connection – all essential components to keep order within civilization yet can be detrimental if taken too far or seen through deep eyes like those found in these pages with virtuosity.
One walks away thinking deeply after reading Notes From Underground because its story questions whether raw human instinct matters more than any imposed societal bounds; while burying us into the darkest corners where we find ourselves able to face some fears without letting them define who are truly meant to become ultimately summarizing very well not only classic Russian Literature but modern literature itself!
One of the most striking things about “Notes from Underground” is the way that Dostoevsky portrays the mind of the Underground Man. He is a complex and multi-faceted character, and the author does an excellent job of exploring his motivations and desires. The reader is able to see the world through his eyes and experience the same feelings of frustration, anger, and despair that he does. This makes for a powerful and often unsettling reading experience, as we are forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature and our own inner demons.
Another aspect of the novel that is worth mentioning is the way that Dostoevsky uses the Underground Man to comment on the broader social and political issues of his time. Through the character’s experiences and observations, the author critiques the ideas of utilitarianism and positivism that were popular in the 19th century, and he argues that there is more to human beings than simply the pursuit of pleasure and happiness.
This work balances incredibly enthralling events full of hope against overwhelming issues vulnerable everyone regardless of background, therefore, making for timeless classics definitely worth picking up look back down the road today’s cultural climate may seem quite different.
Overall, “Notes from the Underground” is a deeply thought-provoking and intriguing novel that is still relevant and meaningful today. If you are looking for a work of literature that will challenge your beliefs and make you question the world around you, this book you should definitely consider reading. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in philosophy, psychology, or the human condition, and I believe that it will continue to be a classic of world literature for many years to come.
Some worth mentioning quotes from the book:
To be too conscious is an illness—a real thorough-going illness.
He is stupid. I am not disputing that, but perhaps the normal man should be stupid, how do you know? Perhaps it is very beautiful, in fact.
Nature does not ask your permission, she has nothing to do with your wishes, and whether you like her laws or dislike them, you are bound to accept her as she is, and consequently all her conclusions. A wall, you see, is a wall, and so on, and so on.
Man revenges himself because he sees justice in it. Therefore he has found a primary cause, that is, justice. And so he is at rest on all sides, and consequently, he carries out his revenge calmly and successfully, being persuaded that he is doing a just and honest thing.
Man has such a predilection for systems and abstract deductions that he is ready to distort the truth intentionally, he is ready to deny the evidence of his senses only to justify his logic.
Note: Dostoevsky’s work is considered to be one of the darkest genres and it is advisable not to read any of his work if one is suffering from any depression or anxiety.
- By Darshan Gajjar – The author is a student of National Security, Political Science and International Relations