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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had fun with this cosplay essay about human nature
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read in October 2019
Re-read April 2024
First Read:
Written in 1864 this book is often called “the first existential book”. It is the story of a man who locks himself underground to ponder life biggest questions. He philosophizes about the state of his Russian society and the behavior of mankind. In part two, he makes fun of the philosophies he proposed in part one. I imagine this was quite a controversial book in its time. It’s amazing how much of it still “hits home“ today.
Second read:
"Notes from the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, published in 1864, is a novella that delves into the psyche of a nameless narrator, often referred to as the "Underground Man." The work is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Underground Man provides a monologue that critiques society and human nature, expressing his deep-seated bitterness, isolation, and a sense of intellectual superiority. He rejects the idea of a utopian society, believing that suffering and irrationality are inherent to human existence.
The second part, set 15 years earlier, is more narrative in structure and explores the Underground Man's interactions with others. It reveals his self-destructive behavior, particularly his rejection of social norms and his inability to form meaningful relationships. His encounter with a young prostitute named Liza is a pivotal moment, as it exposes his own hypocrisy and the emptiness of his life.
Throughout the novella, Dostoevsky examines themes of alienation, free will, and the complexity of human nature. The Underground Man's character is a critique of the rational egoism prevalent in the 19th century, and his struggles with self-awareness and societal expectations reflect the broader existential questions of the time.
Re-read April 2024
First Read:
Written in 1864 this book is often called “the first existential book”. It is the story of a man who locks himself underground to ponder life biggest questions. He philosophizes about the state of his Russian society and the behavior of mankind. In part two, he makes fun of the philosophies he proposed in part one. I imagine this was quite a controversial book in its time. It’s amazing how much of it still “hits home“ today.
Second read:
"Notes from the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, published in 1864, is a novella that delves into the psyche of a nameless narrator, often referred to as the "Underground Man." The work is divided into two parts. In the first part, the Underground Man provides a monologue that critiques society and human nature, expressing his deep-seated bitterness, isolation, and a sense of intellectual superiority. He rejects the idea of a utopian society, believing that suffering and irrationality are inherent to human existence.
The second part, set 15 years earlier, is more narrative in structure and explores the Underground Man's interactions with others. It reveals his self-destructive behavior, particularly his rejection of social norms and his inability to form meaningful relationships. His encounter with a young prostitute named Liza is a pivotal moment, as it exposes his own hypocrisy and the emptiness of his life.
Throughout the novella, Dostoevsky examines themes of alienation, free will, and the complexity of human nature. The Underground Man's character is a critique of the rational egoism prevalent in the 19th century, and his struggles with self-awareness and societal expectations reflect the broader existential questions of the time.
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a thought provoking book. Book 2 blew me away, especially the way it wraps up. Left me speechless.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
vvvv interesting, lil bit of Sartre, lil bit of Schopenhauer, but 100% Dostoyevski