letters – mcsparran.page

Letters (1872-1877) Dostoevsky criticizes the literary world of his time for being conventional, ambiguous, phony, dull—in short, lacking in sincerity and directness. Why? He thinks that this is what happens to writers who are too afraid of appearing ridiculous. Sometimes the truth of one’s experience is laughable, and if one becomes too preoccupied with avoidingContinue reading

Letters (1868-1871) When Dostoevsky was early in the process of writing the novel Demons, he told a friend that “I want to have my say, even if in the process my artistry should perish.” This statement is striking because it reveals a battle within him. He has convictions that he wants to air, yet whatContinue reading