The Idiot

 

Title The Idiot
Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Genre Classic, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Political, Psychological, Realism, Romance, Social, Tragedy
Format Digital

 

+ 100 Total Pages

Read it on All Devices

+ 1,000 Active Readers

 

Book Description

The Idiot (1869) is a profound novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and society. The story follows Prince Myshkin, a kind-hearted, innocent man who returns to Russia after spending years in Switzerland being treated for epilepsy. Myshkin’s purity and lack of social guile, however, lead others to see him as naïve or even foolish—hence the title of the novel. As he navigates complex relationships with several characters, including the beautiful but troubled Nastasya Filippovna and the passionate Aglaya Epanchin, Myshkin’s idealism and sincerity clash with the darker, more cynical elements of society, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

 

About Author

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881) was a Russian novelist, philosopher, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of all time. His works explore themes of psychology, morality, free will, redemption, and the human struggle with faith.

Born in Moscow, Dostoyevsky initially trained as an engineer but turned to writing, gaining early success with Poor Folk(1846). However, his involvement in radical political circles led to his arrest and a death sentence, which was commuted to exile and hard labor in Siberia. This experience deeply shaped his later works, infusing them with existential and religious themes.

His major novels include Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons (also known as The Possessed), and The Brothers Karamazov, each dealing with profound philosophical and psychological dilemmas. Dostoyevsky’s exploration of human nature, suffering, and redemption has made his works enduringly influential in literature, philosophy, and psychology.