Chapter 1: The Grand Inquisitor
In a Spanish city during the Spanish Inquisition, the Grand Inquisitor arrests Jesus Christ, who has returned to Earth. The Inquisitor confronts Jesus with the failures of his teachings and asserts the necessity of a strong authority to control the masses. Jesus remains silent, but his gentle gaze challenges the Inquisitor's doubt and the despair of the people he controls.
Example: The Grand Inquisitor's belief that people are weak and need to be governed for their own good is reflected in many totalitarian regimes, such as those of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
Chapter 2: The Brothers Karamazov
The novel follows the story of four brothers: Dmitri, Ivan, Alyosha, and Smerdyakov. Dmitri is a passionate and impulsive soldier, Ivan is an intellectual and rationalist, Alyosha is a devout and compassionate monk, and Smerdyakov is the illegitimate son of Fyodor Karamazov, the brothers' father. Fyodor is a debauched and manipulative old man who sows discord among his sons.
Example: The Karamazov brothers represent different aspects of Russian society, from the passionate and impulsive peasantry (Dmitri) to the intellectual and skeptical intelligentsia (Ivan) to the devout and compassionate Russian Orthodox Church (Alyosha).
Chapter 3: The Idiot
Prince Myshkin, a young nobleman with an epileptic condition, returns to Russia after a long stay in Switzerland. Myshkin is innocent, compassionate, and deeply religious. His presence in St. Petersburg society disrupts the relationships and intrigues of the characters around him, both for good and for ill.
Example: Myshkin's belief in the inherent goodness of people is challenged by the cynicism and corruption of St. Petersburg society. He becomes involved in a love triangle with the beautiful but troubled Aglaya and the cunning and calculating Nastasya.
Chapter 4: Crime and Punishment
Raskolnikov, a poor and desperate student, murders an elderly pawnbroker for her money. He believes himself to be a "superman" who is above the law. However, guilt and paranoia soon torment Raskolnikov, and he is eventually captured and sentenced to hard labor in Siberia.
Example: Raskolnikov's idea that he is a superior being who is exempt from moral rules has been used to justify heinous crimes by individuals and groups throughout history. His descent into madness and despair reflects the alienation and existential angst of modern society.
Chapter 5: The Devils
The novel follows the activities of a group of nihilist students in 1870s Russia. The students aim to overthrow the government and spread terror. They become involved in a series of murders and conspiracies that bring them into conflict with the authorities.
Example: The nihilists in "The Devils" represent the revolutionary and anti-establishment sentiment that was prevalent in Russia during the 19th century. Their actions reflect the frustration and desperation of those who felt that the existing social and political order was unjust and oppressive.
