September / Russia Reading: The Idiot by Dostoevsky

[Natchat]

Thanks.. I never thought about Rogozhin's reaction to the Holbein picture as taking offense at the suffering of Christ. I think because I personally look on such suffering as noble, I was always seeing it that way even through other character's eyes. I saw Rogozhin's attraction to the picture even while it was making him lose his faith, as the obsession with one's doubt over their faith. (Probably another personal interpretation.)

When Myshkin said, "You want to exchange crosses? Certainly, Parfyon, I am delighted. We will be brothers!", I took this as an innocent invitation of friendship on his part. As Rogozhin's response was, "the same mistrustfulness, the same bitter, almost ironical smile" I thought that Rogozhin was merely playing along with Myshkin mockingly, all along treating Myshkin's invitation as a childlike naivete.

I wasn't sure how to tag quotes and insert them into my reply, do you just copy and paste? Of course I tried just clicking on "quote" but I still wasn't able to highlight anything.

[Gladys]

Thanks.. I never thought about Rogozhin's reaction to the Holbein picture as taking offense at the suffering of Christ. I think because I personally look on such suffering as noble...

While Christ's suffering may seem noble from a safe distance (in time and space), the Holbein picture transports Rogozhin (like the denying Peter) to the foot of that terrible cross with its siren call, 'follow me'. A hard saying is Luke 7:23, 'And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me'.

When Myshkin said, "You want to exchange crosses? ... ... I thought that Rogozhin was merely playing along with Myshkin mockingly, all along treating Myshkin's invitation as a childlike naivete.

The vulnerable and desperate pair, Natasya Filippovna and Rogozhin, see more in the prince than naivete. The prince would save the needy and the lost.

I wasn't sure how to tag quotes

Click on 'Quote', delete unwanted text in the resultant screen, and click on 'Preview Post'.

[NickAdams]

I can't believe I missed this!

[Janine]

I can't believe I missed this!

Nick, sorry you missed it too; back in Sept and October, it was such a great discussion. I had to miss out on some of it, but I was able to get in a few comments and discussions with others. This is the first D book have read, and I was quite impressed by it. I have many of the others to read...well, eventually...