Sorry if I offended anyone. I didn't like Natasia. But in earnest, I was having a bad day when I wrote that passage. Wanted to make my point understood, perhaps I went a bit too far.
Sorry if I offended anyone. I didn't like Natasia. But in earnest, I was having a bad day when I wrote that passage. Wanted to make my point understood, perhaps I went a bit too far.
Silence is golden. But in the absence of silence, classical music is the avenue which chaos is turned into harmonious order.
Yes... I am THIS weird
I am only 150 pages in--but so far I don't like her either.Originally Posted by mickitaz
I am so pleased so far, though. I really liked Crime and Punishment (liked is perhaps not really the right word)--but it was not a book which I thought each day "Boy, I can't wait to get some time to read today!!" And with The Idiot, I really just can't wait to read each day! I wonder why C&P is assigned to students more frequently than The Idiot--so far to me, The Idiot seems much more reader-friendly.
I am making comparison between the two as well. That's because C&P is the only other book by Dostoevsky I've readThe have very different rhythm for me. I find "The Idiot" easier to read as well. I suppose it is due to the fact that it is more concerned on the dialogue and character's interactions than on a dissection of the thoughts. I am captured by the simple flow of the prose, it feels like a dance - simple in its nature, but something you can fully enjoy.
As for Nastasya, I think I'll take the opposite side. I haven't even reached the middle of the book, I find her interesting and I somehow understand her. And frankly, up to now Aglaya seems to me too ordinary in comparison.
Qspeechc, I agree with your sinner theory, but since I haven't finished the book yet I am not sure if I am supposed to say this
Currently reading:
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
I was thinking some of it had to do with not everybody's name beginning with the letter "R" ...
Been reading a while but I finished this book last night. Very good book. I'm going to read three men in a boat next by Jerome K Jerome.
Haha, yeah, probably that's the main reasonI was thinking some of it had to do with not everybody's name beginning with the letter "R" ...
Currently reading:
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
I better get reading this book if I plan to participate or comment at all. Sorry I have not even started it yet; and I have been dying to read it for sometime. My delay really could not be helped; I have not been feeling well. I may be able to catch up but if not I will read the book and then review all of this fine discussion.
Last edited by Janine; 09-15-2008 at 08:54 PM.
"It's so mysterious, the land of tears."
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
'The Idiot' is an excellent pick-me-up, Janine.
Is it really, Gladys? I will have to read it while I finish up this other book I have been reading for months. That one is so drawn out and I wish to complete it. I hate abandoning any books. Maybe I could alternate evenings reading both and somehow I have to fit in the new Shakespeare play for that discussion. I hope that play is not a long one. I will have to alternate between the three, I suppose. My gosh the month flies right by, doesnt' it?
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I loved "Three Men In a Boat"... and "Idle thoughts of an Idle Fellow"... Jerome K. Jerome is a great writer.. very funny...
Back to the book at hand.. I can never decide upon of favourite of Dostoevsky's major works... each has their own unique beauty... I love them all haha..
"The Idiot" always fascinated me, with the Christ like figure of the Prince so much different from any other character in Dostoevsky really... I guess some might compare him to Alyosha from TBK or Sonia from C&P, but I find him to be so different.. his innocence and naivete with regards to social norms and conventions makes this story so interesting...
Nastasya, I sympathize with her... and find her to be the most powerful and interesting female character in the story... she has had her own sort of neervous breakdown that is continually occuring throughout the story in her flight back and forth.. never happy without the Prince, but always afraid she is not good enough for him while they are together... Myshkin maybe is delusional in trying to save her, but like Christ, just on a smaller scale he sacrifices his own well-being in the attempt...
I think too much time alone, as Myshkin must have had throughout his life, makes for thoughts of death... explaining his preoccupation with it throughout the beginning of the book... when you have no one around so often, death would likely become thought that was often on your mind... (speaking from experience here =p lol)
Some very good points by Bazarov... i like the use of the quote from TBK... it is fitting...
To save her...or to save Parfen Roghozin?
I would say both...
Now you, Gladys and Islandclimber, have me very interested in this book. I think I will start it tonight.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Janine, it was a wonderful story. I hope you do read it. I think you'll love it.
motherhubbard, Thanks for recommending it. I think that D.H.Lawrence wrote some critiques and he actually did like this book of D's the best. It must be hopeful. I know he had some issues with some of D's other novels or ideas. I have been curious to read "The Idiot", after I read L's review, since I am a big Lawrence fan. Funny how one book will lead you to another.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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