What does the underground man represent?
What does the underground man represent?
Dostoevsky says that the Underground Man, though a fictional character, is representative of certain people who “not only may but must exist in our society, taking under consideration the circumstances under which our society has generally been formed.” The Underground Man is extremely alienated from the society in …
What is Dostoevsky known for?
Dostoyevsky is best known for his novella Notes from the Underground and for four long novels, Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, The Possessed (also and more accurately known as The Demons and The Devils), and The Brothers Karamazov.
What is the problem with the Underground Man?
The underground man is an outsider precisely because of that; the society does not reject him or tries to expel him. The problem lies in him, within his inner oscillating, indecisive, conflicting and confused self. He thinks too much, and is doubtful of himself and of the people around him.
What is Dostoevsky’s writing style?
His early works emphasised realism and naturalism, as well as social issues such as the differences between the poor and the rich. Influences from other writers are evident, especially in his early works, leading to accusations of plagiarism but his style gradually developed over his career.
What did Dostoevsky say about life?
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” “But how could you live and have no story to tell?” “Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.”
What words does the Underground Man use to address his readers?
The Underground Man is also highly conscious of what others think of him. He is intensely aware of our presence as readers. He addresses us frequently and directly, calling us “gentlemen,” and he constantly analyzes and revises his statements in the fear that we are judging him.
How does underground man describe himself?
The narrator—referred to in this SparkNote as the Underground Man—introduces himself. He describes himself as sick, wicked, and unattractive, and notes that he has a problem with his liver.
