Book 4 contains one of the sequences that really stood out in my memory of the first time I read this book: Alyosha’s strange confrontation with the schoolchildren.  More shades of Wes Anderson – these super-serious little children speaking in dreadful terms about honor, revenge, etc.  I guess I’m thinking of that scene in Rushmore … Continue reading The Brothers Karamazov – Book IV – Strains →

The Brothers Karamazov – Book 3  - “Sensualists” The next two books are still, by and large, introductory.  The cast of characters is broadened, mostly by our following Alyosha around as he’s sent to manage everybody’s affairs.  It reminds me a little bit of a computer roleplaying game, where the main character brings items from … Continue reading The Brothers Karamazov – Book III – The Sensualists →

First a summary then some observations - the events of Book 2 (“An Inappropriate Gathering") are probably easier to relate, but they mostly take place against a backdrop of almost a dozen characters, many of whom are briefly, it at all, introduced by the narrator. // Begin Summary On the appointed day for the Karamazov’s … Continue reading The Brothers Karamazov – Book II →

Point of joy #1 (actually, hysterical laughter while reading): “They thought I was gone, and here I am!” he shouted for all to hear (87). “He” is Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov.  I’ll try to explain what’s so funny about this moment, as a way of summarizing what happens in the first two books of TBK.  I’ll … Continue reading The Brothers Karamazov – Book I →