Notes from the Underground

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dostoyevsky, Fyodor, 1821-1881

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Notes from the Underground" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a profound psychological novel written in the mid-19th century. It features a nameless protagonist, often referred to as the Underground Man, who serves as a complex anti-hero grappling with deep existential and philosophical questions. The narrative reveals his intense feelings of alienation, resentment, and self-loathing in a rapidly changing society. The opening of the book establishes the Underground Man as a bitter and introspective figure who reflects on his life as a retired government official. He describes himself as sick, spiteful, and unattractive, reveling in his own self-pity while simultaneously criticizing societal norms and behavior. He grapples with acute self-awareness that leads to paralysis in action, showcasing his inner turmoil and isolation. As he oscillates between repulsion and fascination towards both himself and others, the tone of the narrative vacillates between dark humor and profound melancholy. Through his confessions, Dostoyevsky invites readers into a labyrinth of thought that challenges the very nature of existence, individuality, and morality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Judith Boss. HTML version by Al Haines

Notes:

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notes_from_Underground

Reading ease score: 78.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Release date is 1996-07-01