Originally Posted by
SFG75
An important reference in this section of the book is Smerdyakov and Balaam's ***. The donkey is represented by Smerdaykov of course and according to tradition, the donkey is noble and tries to save Balaam from himself. Likewise, F.D. doesn't regard Smerdaykov as being intelligent, but he is very much the superior in the house by far. Some Old Testament scholars believe God used the donkey to "make fun" of Balaam. Likewise, Fyodor being bested by the "stupid" Smerdyakov shows just how wrong F.D.'s opinion is.