Dostoevsky's "The Idiot": A Critical Companion

AATSEEL

by Liza Knapp

This book, part of the acclaimed AATSEEL Critical Companions series, is designed to guide readers through Dostoevsky's most mysterious and confusing work. It begins with introductory essays looking at where, when, and how The Idiot was written and at the novel's major characters. Other essays guide the reader through the author's plans and notebooks; use contemporary feminist criticism to shed light on how this novel explores alternatives to traditional roles; examine the ways in which the novel reflects Dostoevsky's concern with apocalypse, modernity, and time; and address the ways the novel's hero, Prince Myshkin, can be compared to Christ. A final section offers a rich collection of primary sources, including Dostoevsky's letters concerning The Idiot, and an annotated bibliography.

275 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 1998

Reviews

[Marina Gallo · Rating 3 out of 5]

there was 1 (one) genuinely enjoyable essay in here😭

[Salvatore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, I've certainly read better commentary and criticism in my day. This is very cursory and doesn't go into the meat and potatoes of any analysis of the book. Interesting notes on how the book was composed. But not much more than that. If you go to the NYPL and the book has coffee stains, it's not my fault.