Foydor Dostoevsky’s Novel:Notes From The UNderground Essay, Research Paper
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND, has held many labels, such as being a case history of nuerosis or a specimen of modern tragedy. The most popular label it has obtained however, is being the author’s defense of individualism.
The novel is writen as a performance, part triad, part memoir, by a nameless personage who claims to be writing for hiomself but consistently maipulates the reader–of whom he is morbidly aware– to the point where there seems to be no judgement the reader can make which has not already been made by the writer himself.
The underground man is represenative as a product of individaul pathology or a biographical accident. He is "one of the characters of our recent past," part of a generation that is living out its days among us. Internal eveidence makes it clear that his generation is of the 1840s. He shows the fate of the isolated petty clerk and Dostoevkian dreamer twenty years after, surveying his wasted life in the new spiritual climate of the 1860s and at the same time finding justification for his own grotesque being in the simplistic views of the human nature now current.
IN the first part of the novel, the underground man describes himself and his views, and attempts, as it were, to clarify the reasons why he appeared and is bound in our midst. The mention of his self and his views raise thequestion of how the two are related. Are we to understand his views as the product of his wasted life or independently? There are also the same views that are bound in the paradox. He dismisses the "laws of nature" and wilfully denies that twice two is four. The common sense even today with his views–but it underlies most of the art we think of as "modern":
"And why are you so frimly,
so solemnly convinced that
only the normal and the
positive–in short, only
well-being–is to man’s
advantage?…Afterall, man
may be fond of only well
being. And man is sometimes
extremely fond of suffering
too. And here there is no
need to consult world
history; ask yourself, if
you’re a man and have lived
at all. As for my personal
opinion, it’s even somehow
indecent to love only well
being."
Now don’t confuse this idea with sufering. Here he is simply touching on a quest in which pleasure is of no use–it is the quest for self-determination and self-affirmation.
UNderground, the man seeks truth, setting "authenticity" above goodness or happiness as he reopens the question of what it means to be human. This is what he seeks the answer to in dangerous and repugnant regions.
Paradox is used as contradiction in the underground man’s "confession", fired by passion with generalizations that seem liable, as well as, hyperbolic. He cravs isolation, yet thirsts for human contact. He rejects that "laws of nature," yet explains his inertia has their inevitable product. He seeks the reader’s sympathy, yet he does all he can to preclude it. He suffers and proclaims pleasure in it.
"Reason accounts for twenty-second of human thought," he declares. Now, take for example, his often-cited arguments about freedom and individuality. He makes an outstanding case against social utopias as denying "the most important thing– our personality, our individuality." And how is the latter expressed? As spontaneous desire, even caprice:"One’s own free, untrammeles desires, one’s own whim’ no matter how extravagent, one’s own fancy, be it wrought up at times to the point of madness–all of this is precisely the most advantageous of advantages which is omitted, which fits into no classification, and which is constantly knocking all the systems and theories to hell."
He speaks of wnting to live "in order to saticfy my whole capacity for living, and not just my reasoning capacity alone." And he seculates that striving may be more important to man than achieving, the journey more important than arrival at the goal. Yet, how has he lived? For what has he striven?
Другие работы по теме:
Defense On Behalf Of Palamedes Essay Research
Paper In “Defense on Behalf of Palamedes”, Gorgias attempts to prove Palamedes is innocent by making his defense in every possible way. He does this by using evidence about Palamedes, evidence that has direct relation to the
Evolution Is Schools Essay Research Paper Position
Evolution Is Schools Essay, Research Paper Position on Evolution In 1925, schools had a very standard and general curriculum. Much of this curriculum was based on Christian beliefs and morals. No one dreamed of challenging these values. Especially in the school classroom, where budding minds strived for new knowledge, and any new ideas could possibly spark secular beliefs totally contradictory to what was taught in Christian households.
Individualism And Fascicm Essay Research Paper IndividualismModern
Individualism And Fascicm Essay, Research Paper Individualism Modern political thought has given a considerable amount of attention to the conception of the individual’s function in modern society. In this paper, I will discuss the fascist philosophy on individualism. Using the Italian philosopher Alfredo Rocco’s arguments on this topic, I will consider how Liberalism, Democracy and Socialism are closely related, while Fascism can be seen as the true antithesis to Liberalism.
Socrates Apology Essay Research Paper Socrates made
Socrates Apology Essay, Research Paper Socrates made the correct choice to continue with his “Apology” after he received this guilty verdict. Socrates continued his defense after he received the guilty verdict for several reasons. I think the reasons why he continued his defense are: he wanted to acknowledge the Athenians who voted for his acquittal and guilt, and the jury still had to decide Socrates’ punishment.
Engineering And National Defense Essay Research Paper
Francis Dietz, a Government Relations worker for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in Washington, D.C., is calling upon engineers to help our policy makers in making decisions concerning defense research and design. In testimony to Congress given by the Department of Defense Task Force of ASME’s Inter-Council Committee on Federal R & D, “…an increasing number of peacekeeping deployments to various parts of the globe, combined with relatively stagnant budgets, have combined to put a severe strain on the ability of the Department of Defense to appropriately plan for its future technology needs…” (Dietz 34).
Law Essay Research Paper 1 The trial
Law Essay, Research Paper 1. The trial court is bound by the Supreme Court s decision under Stare Decisis. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the judicial system. All other courts are most likely to follow a higher courts decision. The only time a precedent would change is if it is out of date, the situation is different, or if the ruling is found invalid.
Conformity Essay Research Paper ConformityFeelings of disgust
Conformity Essay, Research Paper ConformityFeelings of disgust fill me when I observe the identity of an individual being crushed by the widespread need to fit in with society and be like everyone else. Differences in character, appearance, and emotion are created by unique pasts, and form the foundation for personal beliefs.
Reconstructing The American Dream Essay Research Paper
Reconstructing the American DreamThere is an old adage which says, “The root of all evil is money.” This, however, is not true in America. In America, money is not the problem, the love of money, or materialism, is the problem. Materialism is at the core of our American dream. We grow up learning that success is rooted in material wealth and power.
Billy Budd
– Individualism Essay, Research Paper There is much to be said about individualism. Feelings of freedom and endless possibilities for individual growth are presented throughout these two novels. Although being an individual has its high points, it is not always the road to take. Billy Budd and Ignatius Reilly were both prime examples of individuals.
Roots Of Individualism In Europe Essay Research
Paper Roots of Individualism in Europe During the Middle Ages, independent thought was viewed disdainfully. Almost any idea deviating from the status quo, largely determined by the Roman Catholic Church, was condemned as heresy. One convicted of such a grievous offense was often excommunicated or killed, either by means of a proper execution or by a hostile mob.
Alexis De Tocqueville
’s Democracy In America Essay, Research Paper Alexis de Tocqueville’s visit to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century prompted his work Democracy in America, in which he expressed the ability to make democracy work. Throughout his travels Tocqueville noted that private interest and personal gain motivated the actions of most Americans, which in turn cultivated a strong sense of individualism.
Socrates Arguments Regarding Moral Conventionalism Essay Research
Paper In assessing the validity of Socrates? arguments regarding moral conventionalism, Plato presents a multitude of premises on which Socrates? argument is based. These premises both support and weaken Socrates? beliefs against Sophist teachings. Using The Crito and The Apology, it is relatively easy to understand Socrates? reasoning in opposing the sophistic position of moral relativism.
Presidency 2 Essay Research Paper There are
Presidency 2 Essay, Research Paper There are currently eight candidates running for the United States Presidency. Even though there are eight running, there are only two that are most likely to win. These two are Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush. The election all depends on what the candidates debate about and where they stand on the issues.
Individualism In Farenheit 451 Essay Research Paper
All great things that have been created by mankind have evolved from individuals who dare to think outside of the box. There are the regretful ideas from which we learn from and of course the great ideas in which humanity has developed. For us to grow and change, mankind needs a diversity of ideas and thoughts.
Freudian Defense Mechanisms Essay Research Paper All
Freudian Defense Mechanisms Essay, Research Paper All people use defense mechanisms, whether they be consciously or unconsciously. Anxiety may arise from an intense situation or even past experience. It is then the ego’s job to displace anxiety so as to protect the rest of the mind. Through defense mechanisms such as sublimation, repression, fantasy, compulsive fun-seeking, and negativism, the ego eliminates anxiety caused by surroundings which in effect tries to prevent insanity.
Existentialism In American Lit Essay Research Paper
Existentialism in American Literature “I must find a truth that is true for me, the idea for which I can live or die,” (Sfren Kierkegaard). Being the first acknowledged existentialist, Kierkegaard s ideas set the standards. Existentialist ideas are based mainly on the individual, his plights, and his confrontations.
Sense Of Humanism In Wordsworth
’s Poems. Essay, Research Paper Sense of Humanism in Wordsworth’s Poems One might say that the great guiding principle of the Romantic revolt was reinvigorated humanism, which was greater than any since the Renaissance. The principle dealt greatly with individualism. Humanism affected every cycle: politics, philosophy, religion and arts.
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Existence Of God Problem Of Evil Essay
, Research Paper PROBLEM OF EVIL One of the major arguments proposed against the existence of God in contemporary western philosophy is the problem of evil. It is based upon the inability to reconcile the magnitude of evil in the world with the all-loving nature of God. John Hick
Defense Statement Essay Research Paper Defense Statement
Defense Statement Essay, Research Paper Defense Statement Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we, the defense, have shown you that there is no reason that George did not do the right and humane thing by shooting Lenny and that he is innocent of all charges against him.
Strong Response Essay Research Paper Strong ResponseThe
Strong Response Essay, Research Paper Strong Response The expansion of the American frontier played a large part in the history and making of the United States, but how big was that role? Historian Frederick Turner felt that the American frontier played the largest influence on our country?s history.
Influences On Early American Literature Essay Research
Paper It is strange to consider Thomas Jefferson s writings when speaking on traits of the American. Jefferson never wrote directly on the topic of the general character of the American. It was he, who was more responsible for setting the parameters of a society which would fulfill the ideals of what would become a part of the American character.
A And P Essay 1 Essay Research
Paper Sammy vs. the Grocery Store In the story, A & P , John Updike differentiates the views of Sammy and the store with many eye-catching techniques. By presenting the store as the antagonist, the reader gains Sammy sense of view about things through his close detail and humor of situations. Well before the dramatic opportunity presents itself for Sammy to quit his job, his narrative voice has established his individualism, imagination and his subversive sense of humor that already set him at odds with his jobs dull routine.
Reducing The Military Essay Research Paper With
Reducing The Military Essay, Research Paper With the end of the ?Cold War? America?s armed forces are too large and expensive to maintain while in an era of peace. The roles of the military has
Defense Spending Essay Research Paper Defense SpendingDefense
Defense Spending Essay, Research Paper Defense Spending Defense spending is how much money the government uses to for our national defense. This year President Clinton?s budget includes 267 billion dollars for defense or around 15% of the budget. The budget only includes 18 billion dollars for foreign assistance, which accounts for about 1% of the budget.
Politics Essay Research Paper Inaugural address of
Politics Essay, Research Paper Inaugural address of President George W. Bush During this course, we have learned many things. Amidst the things that we have learned is the American Creed which include liberty, self government, equality, individualism, diversity and unity. All these things are the core value system for the people that inhabit the United States and they are the things this country was based on.