Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"Notes from Underground" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a masterpiece of Russian literature that explores the complexities of the human psyche and the nature of society in the 19th century. This novel is divided into two parts, each of which explores different aspects of the protagonist's life.

Part 1 of the novel introduces the narrator, an unnamed man who is a former civil servant and a self-proclaimed "man of the underground". The narrator describes himself as a sick, spiteful man who is unhappy with the society in which he lives. He is deeply bitter and resentful towards others, and he spends much of his time alone, reflecting on his own thoughts and feelings. His underground existence is contrasted with the life of everyday people, whom he considers to be superficial and foolish.

In the second chapter of Part 1, the narrator recounts a series of events from his youth that he believes led him to become the man he is today. He tells the story of how he once acted out of spite towards a group of schoolboys and later felt guilty for his actions. He also describes his failed attempt at seducing a young prostitute, an experience that left him feeling humiliated and ashamed. These experiences shape the narrator's worldview and contribute to his overall sense of helplessness and despair.

In the third chapter of Part 1, the narrator reflects on the nature of reason and free will. He argues that humans are not rational beings, but rather, they are driven by their passions and desires. He also suggests that free will is an illusion and that humans are predetermined to act in certain ways. This existentialist viewpoint is a key theme throughout the novel and sets the stage for the narrator's experiences in Part 2.

Part 2 of the novel is structured as a continuation of the first part, but with a more outward focus. The narrator becomes involved in a series of events that take place in St. Petersburg, including a dinner party and a visit to a brothel. He also becomes infatuated with a young woman named Liza, whom he meets at the brothel. These experiences force the narrator out of his underground world and into the harsh reality of society.

The climax of the novel occurs when the narrator invites Liza to his apartment, where he delivers a long and rambling monologue about his philosophy of life. Liza is horrified by the narrator's pessimistic worldview and his lack of compassion, and she leaves him in disgust. This rejection marks a turning point for the narrator, as he realizes the futility of his underground existence and the need to engage with the world around him.

"Notes from Underground" is a powerful exploration of human nature and the human condition. Dostoevsky uses the character of the narrator to delve deeply into the darker aspects of the human psyche, such as resentment, guilt, and despair. The novel is also a commentary on the state of Russian society in the 19th century, and it raises important questions about the role of the individual in a society that is often oppressive and stifling. Through the narrator's experiences, Dostoevsky challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values, and to consider the impact of their actions on the world around them.

In summary, "Notes from Underground" is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, and the human experience.