While reading this novel, I saw a quote from Tremaine Emory, founder of Denim Tears (streetwear fashion label), that encompasses his love for Fyodor Dostoevsky. Emory is inspired by Dostoevsky because of how he isn’t afraid to show the madness of people, say what many are afraid to say, but most importantly that humans share similar these contemplative, dark, morbid emotions and experiences but we often overlook that fellow men experience this. The fact that Emory loves Dostoevsky shocked me proves that I often judge and get too wrapped up in my head. And I think My Brothers Karamazov shares invaluable lesson on this.
You already I am a huge fan of Dostoevsky and his unique Russian style, which he exemplifies perfectly in this novel, but I won’t talk much about that in this discussion. I will talk about how it has moved me. As I said early, Dostoevsky’s characters are the most human ever, and this is the case in this novel. But the most important and moving aspects of his characters in this novel is how they view other characters. The three brothers themselves are all very different, a monk, conceited graduate, and a sensualist. They way they interact is beautiful to read, and really challenges how I thought about myself and others.
Judgement is something I struggle with, and it is explored like no other novel. The way Ivan and his Inquisitor view the world as pathetic is not something I particularly agree with, but I often sometimes lose faith in humanity. This has changed with Emory’s quotes as seen above but also with Dostoevsky’s view religion. I’ve always though about religion as a materialistic manual for life, but through this novel I realized that at the core it is not it’s intention. It’s about compassion, love, and most importantly: faith through one’s own conclusion without temptation. Every interaction and scene discusses these reflective and important questions that we all struggle to answer, but Dostoevsky pushes us ourselves to try out best ourselves.
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