01-24-2008, 04:21 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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Does Myshkin ever say "Beauty will save the world"?
I have been trying to find this oft-quoted dictum (supposedly of Prince Myshkin).
So far I haven't. I'm beginning to wonder if the Prince ever said this? Does anyone know just where to find it? |
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01-24-2008, 07:18 PM
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#2 |
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Moderator
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From Ch. 7 of online searchable etext
 http://www.online-literature.com/dostoevsky/idiot/7/ -- "Such beauty is real power," said Adelaida. "With such beauty as that one might overthrow the world." She returned to her easel thoughtfully. -- From Ch. 38: http://www.online-literature.com/dostoevsky/idiot/38/ "Why do I wish to unite you two? For your sakes or my own? For my own sake, naturally. All the problems of my life would thus be solved; I have thought so for a long time. I know that once when your sister Adelaida saw my portrait she said that such beauty could overthrow the world. But I have renounced the world. You think it strange that I should say so, for you saw me decked with lace and diamonds, in the company of drunkards and wastrels. Take no notice of that; I know that I have almost ceased to exist. God knows what it is dwelling within me now--it is not myself. I can see it every day in two dreadful eyes which are always looking at me, even when not present. These eyes are silent now, they say nothing; but I know their secret. His house is gloomy, and there is a secret in it. I am convinced that in some box he has a razor hidden, tied round with silk, just like the one that Moscow murderer had. This man also lived with his mother, and had a razor hidden away, tied round with white silk, and with this razor he intended to cut a throat. -- |
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01-28-2008, 08:45 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
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there is that and . . .
In another place Ippolit says: "Is it true, prince, that you once declared that 'beauty would save the world'? Great Heaven! The prince says that beauty saves the world! And I declare that he only has such playful ideas because he's in love! Gentlemen, the prince is in love. I guessed it the moment he came in. Don't blush, prince; you make me sorry for you. What beauty saves the world? Colia told me that you are a zealous Christian; is it so? Colia says you call yourself a Christian."
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02-14-2008, 02:05 PM
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#4 | |
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Ataraxia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: In spleen
Posts: 2,188
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Quote:
Although I disagree with it. 
__________________
At thunder and tempest, At the world's coldheartedness, During times of heavy loss And when you're sad The greatest art on earth Is to seem uncomplicatedly gay. To get things clear, they have to firstly be very unclear. But if you get them too quickly, you probably got them wrong. If you need me urgent, send me a PM
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