What should I read first in order to better appreciate The Brothers Karamazov?

[Jordon]

I'm finally giving this beast a go, starting on December 1st. My goal will be to have it completed by the end of 2008. So I have two months to prepare in the meantime. Aside from the Bible (any specific books/chapters?) what should I read in order to prep myself for a thorough understanding of what is apparently, Dostoevksy's greatest novel? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[JCamilo]

yes, It is called Brothers Karamazov.

[mayneverhave]

Nothing is really required to read before The Brothers Karamazov to the extent of novels like Ulysses.

Personally I read Crime and Punishment first, as the two novels share characteristics, but I found The Brothers Karamazov to be superior and a more developed version of the earlier work.

Just familiarize yourself with general biblical knowledge - nothing extreme. Maybe read an introduction to the novel or summary online to get some background.

[bazarov]

Absolutely nothing.

[Psynema]

I'm reading it now - just dig in, don't justify putting it off LOL :lol:

I have no biblical or religious knowledge either - but I recognize that when they speak about religion and I don't quite comprehend. It doesn't take too much away from the story to me and most translations have footnotes if you desire to look up stuff such as ecclesiastical courts, etc.

I do think Notes From Underground gives EVERY Dostoyevsky novel more insight into characters and that's an understatement...not even a subjective opinion, take that as objective fact. Notes From Underground is a basic structure for multiple characters, especially the main ones, in nearly any Dost. story, esp. the later ones.

Fyodor Karamazov I think is quite accurate to the NFU character for example It's especially noticeable in the elders room with Pyotr Alexandrovich chapters. He displays similar traits and reasoning...only Fyodor seems a few years mature to the point where he doesn't feel as hurt by people and is more brazen and confident in his protests, to the point where his "disease" (intellectualism) is cured by booze, woman, and acting like an ***.

Both Fyodor and the NFU narrator I think clearly, at one time, believed in and lived for a "perfect" world with a good moral code, but were too sensitive to life's blows, and let themselves sink in the corruption, justifying it since "other people do worse" only they both come to a point where their lives and actions are worse than the actions/behaviors of others they used to criticize.

Most other Dost. characters display this as well, esp. Rodia.

[Dr. Hill]

Notes From Underground is a good suggestion, Psynema. A brilliant work and a great cursory of Dostoevsky.

[Mathor]

the first thing you need to do is begin reading, it will do the work on its own.

[SFG75]

I would say that it would be extremely helpful to read about Dostoyevsky's background and experiences. Doing so helps explain why an author comes at you from the angle that he/she does inregards to viewpoint and in trying to convey emotion.

[wat??]

Just read it. Maybe get an annotated edition if you do not speak French etc, but the same goes for all of Dostoevsky's novels.

[dfloyd]

when I saw the Richard Brooks film of The Brothers Karamazov with Yul Brynner, Richard Basehart, William Shatner as Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha. Lee J. Cobb as the drunken, lecherous Fyodor Karamazov and the senuous Maria Shell in the role Marilyn Monroe wanted, Grushenka. I don't believe the movie has ever been put on dvd, but it is sometimes available on VHS.
Since then, I have read nearly all of Dostoevsky and have most of his works in finely bound and illustrated editions.

In spite of all the pedagogical allusions to metaphors, symbolism, and other arcane references, the fact is the book is just a good damn story! If you see the movie first, you will realize this and be able to read the book just as a great story, not some literary fiasco which is difficult to read, and in which there must be some hidden meaning. Remember, professors want to take the joy out of reading, and make each of us search for hidden meanings; then, the book becomes a chore rather than an enjoyment.

[bazarov]

Remember, professors want to take the joy out of reading, and make each of us search for hidden meanings; then, the book becomes a chore rather than an enjoyment.

You really think that some movie director can show you ideas from 800 pages novel in couple of hours and through that you will get it better then reading it and discussing it with your teachers? Oh no.

[Gladys]

Movie directors more often misrepresent literature than portray it.