The Brothers Karamazov, Author Fyodor Dostoevsky's final novel, is often placed among the finest pieces of western literature. Within the tome's pages Dostoevsky addresses an immense span of taxing philosophical ideas on human nature and the intangible. While the entirety of Dostoevsky's novel is exceedingly noteworthy, I have determined, in this post, to specifically focus on the character of Fyodor Pavlovitch, and his role in conveying Dostoevsky's ideas of the wretched, the wicked ones, the "evil" doers, and what drives them. Throughout the novel the very nature of "scoundrels", as it is so often put within the pages, is consistently questioned, examined, and brought to light. Dostoevsky utilizes Fyodor Pavlovitch to portray thought provoking examinations of cruelty, and in the process molds what I consider to be one of the most interesting antagonists ever written.
I implore you not to read on if you are quite particular about your novel reading experiences remaining pure, and have yet to read The Brothers Karamazov. While this is not a summary by any means, I have included quotes from the work, and do not wish to at all spoil anyone's experience with the fantastic novel.
The most essential of statements regarding Fyodor Pavlovitch occurs within the novel's second book, within the 6th chapter. At this point, his eldest son, Dmitri Fyodorvitch Karamazov, presents the statement "Why is such a man alive?". It is this very statement that underlines the reason for Fyodor Pavlovitch's existence, to explore the origins and nature of wretchedness.
Fyodor is foremost introduced as "one of those senseless persons who are very well capable of looking after their worldly affairs, and apparently, after nothing else." an important detail, as it allows for further delving into the motives behind the wretched character's actions, and the reasons I consider him such a formidable antagonist. Dostoevsky does not stifle the character by writing off his ambitions as nothing more than pure maliciousness against his fellow characters, but rather allows Fyodor to foster conflict through actions pandering to his sensualist self. Indeed, his sensualism, is discussed often in the novel, as is the concept of sensualism itself and it's presence in all of the characters. Fyodor Pavlovitch is, in the simplest of terms, selfish. His son Dmitri, with whom he has quarrel in The Brothers Karamazov, particularly speaks of the bliss he feels, as well as his love for life, after the fury of events in which his act of violence is committed against Grigory. "I've loved life too much, shamefully much...And yet I'm tortured by the thought that I'm a scoundrel, but satisfied with myself. I bless the creation." This sentiment of Dmitri's on the baseness of his nature, and his self centered, sensual view of life, is embodied also within the character of Fyodor. It is this very intense love of life, and acceptance of one's own wretched nature that fuel's Fyodor's cruel actions, if only to ensure the continual satisfaction of his sensuality.
Therefore, malignancy is out of the question. Yet, the new inquiry becomes, "what causes Fyodor's sensuality to make him a good antagonist?" In what way does it cause him to invoke conflict with others? We can decipher such information partly from the text, "at the same time he was one of the most senseless, fantastical fellows in the whole district. I repeat it was not stupidity- the majority of these fantastical fellows are shrewd and intelligent enough- but just senselessness, and a particular national form of it. " But what is this senselessness Dostoevsky describes? It has been established that it not stupidity, nor is it inability to deal with common "worldly affairs", rather, I believe this particular "senselessness" to be that of disregard for others. This stems from the ideas expressed in book six of the novel, in which Father Zossima declares the belief that all men are responsible for one another. This is what I find to be Fyodor's "senselessness". The old man lacks any sort of responsibility felt toward his fellow men, sparking much of his wretchedness, such as the abandonment of his sons. It is this nature that clashes with Dmitri, who feels his father owes him, owes him a debt of land, owes him the responsibility of care that he never provided. Fyodor's antagonism lies rooted in his extreme individualism, and lack of any form of servitude or care taking to any of the other characters.
And so, Dmitri's question rises again, "Why is such a man alive?", a man who has no inclinations of responsibility to his fellow man. Unfortunately, an examination of Fyodor Pavlovitch himself can not provide us an answer to this question. However, his character does provide insight on the nature of debauchery. Though Fyodor is a wretch, he is not a villain, he is, as stated, by no means malicious. In fact, it could even be argued that Fyodor had never once had a thought of malice against another, nor had he perpetrated one with presentiment. Rather, Fyodor is just how Dostoevsky so often describes him, sensual. He is no more than a man with desire, a man whom, unlike many, does not fall into maliciousness thought on the basis of achieving such desires, yet disregards others in achieving them.
I do believe Fyodor is a wonderful antagonist, even endearing due to his apparent lack of malignancy. His character of course, brings to light a few questions about writing. Is such a character effective at portrayal of theme? Is the build up of conflict caused by such a character plausible? Most importantly, is malignancy necessary in the creation of a suitable antagonist? Is Dostoevsky's idea on this particular antagonism sound? What makes for a better antagonist, one whom is malicious outright, whatever it may be against, or one such as this, fueled by other traits that cause conflict in relation to other characters? I believe further examination of Fyodor Pavlovitch, as well as other antagonists that perhaps have minimal malice in their hearts, would certainly foster some creativity regarding the subjects of antagonism and conflict.
And to close, a quote from the novel,
"As a general rule, people, even the wicked, are much more naive and simple-hearted than we suppose. And we ourselves are, too."
Sources: Dostoevsky, Fyodor The Brothers Karamazov 122 Fifth Avenue New York, NY: Barnes and Nobel Books, 2004(first published between 1879 and 1880). Print.
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