TBK: the beginning

Prompt 2

The beginning is always extremely important in story-telling. Fyodor Dostoevsky does a great job in giving a good foundation of the Karamazov family in the first few chapters. “But before I go on to this novel, I must introduce the other two sons of Fyodor Pavlovich, Mitya’s borthers, and explain where they came from.” is a quote found at the end of chapter two, that aids in building a foundation of understanding for the relationship between characters while introducing the next chapter. Very quickly the author presents the background of Fyodor Pavlovich’s first marriage and son Dmitri. We learn that Fyodor abandoned Dmitir, and that Dmitir was raised by Grigory, a servant, for a year before his mother’s family took him in. We also learned that Fyodor’s second marriage was to an orphan who was sixteen years old and Ivan and Alexei (Alyosha) were born of this marriage.

Some of the symbols or themes that are presented in the novel include: marriage- both of Fyodor’s marriages were eloped marriages, and both were unsuccessful; morality and responsibility- Fyodor and his relationship to Dmitri, not caring for his son as well as cheating him out of his rightful inheritance from his mother; religion- Alyosha entering a monastery makes his father sentimental, Dmitri and Fyodor arrange to meet with a monk, Zosima, due to inheritance conflicts, this troubles Alyosha because Ivan is an atheist, Alyosha believes that his father agreement to meet with Zosima  was sarcastic, and Zosima is a highly respected spiritual leaders in the monastery.

Of the three themes or symbols that I presented, I feel that they are each important and notable. Marriage is a universal, cross-cultural theme that carries many societal expectations including but not limited to: a union between man and woman, courting, children are a product of marriage, fidelity, etc. Both of Foyodor’s marriages were mentioned in the first three chapters of The Brothers Karamazov and neither marriage was able to fully meet some basic marriage expectations.

The theme of morality and responsibility is also seen in many different works of literature. Parents are obligated to care for their children, it is deemed immoral and irresponsible when a parent discards or abandon’s their child. The relationship between Foyodor and Dmitri is an example of how Foyodor behaved in a manner that was lacking morality and responsibility. This helps the reader understand Foyodor as a character, as the story continues we learn of excessive drinking and orgies that Foyodor participated in at home while his wife was present. Grigory stepped in and took care of Foyodor’s children.

Religion is also an important theme in many literary works. Alyosha decides to study at a monastery, while his older brother Ivan is atheist. Religion is often a common theme that is relatable to the reader, it is a social institution that prescribes specific morals and responsibilities to their constituents.

The plot is set forth in a manner that the reader has enough background information of the various characters to appreciate the conflict that is occurring. We understand more of the lack of a relationship Foyodor had with his sons until they returned to him at a later age, which allows the plot to progress with more understanding from the reader.