Description

About the Book:

Dostoyevsky‘s Notes from Underground and The Double are two groundbreaking works that delve deep into the complexities of human consciousness and societal alienation. In Notes from Underground, the anonymous narrator, paralyzed by a sense of insignificance, recounts his life with bitter sarcasm, describing his refusal to conform to society’s expectations and his retreat into a life of isolation ‘underground.’ Through his narrative, Dostoyevsky explores themes of alienation, free will, and the nature of existence, creating a compelling portrait of a man at odds with the world around him.

In The Double, a government clerk is confronted with a man who bears an exact resemblance to himself, leading to a series of unsettling encounters that blur the lines between reality and illusion. As the clerk grapples with the existence of his double, Dostoyevsky delves into themes of identity, duality, and the darker aspects of human nature. Set against the backdrop of St. Petersburg, both stories offer a nightmarish glimpse into the human psyche, challenging readers to confront the complexities of their own consciousness.

Jessie Coulson’s introduction provides valuable insights into the critical reception of these works and highlights the themes they share with Dostoyevsky’s other novels. Notes from Underground and The Double stand as masterpieces of psychological fiction, offering profound insights into the human condition and the nature of existence.

• Language: English
• Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 352
• ISBN: 9780140455120
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