Dostoevsky’s the Brothers Karamazov: A Companion

In The Brothers Karamazov Dostoevsky achieved his fullest realisation of his Christian ideal. He was also a realist, keenly aware of the dissonant, contending views ranged against it which play a powerful role in the novel's dialogue. This study explores the tension between Dostoevsky's aspirations and the ideological challenges and tragic reality represented in his last novel. It points out significant passages for discussion whilst highlighting distinctive features of Dostoevsky's poetics. It asks how he attempted to reconcile his pluralist vision with Christian claims to universal truth without lapsing into philosophical relativism. It is hoped that this study may stimulate the thinking of non-specialist readers and Dostoevsky scholars as well as contributing to a wider debate on the problem of persuasively and artistically representing a Christian ideal in our post-Christian age.