In this poem, Dostoyevsky uses the thought provoking conversation between two very religious brothers to discuss God, the meaning of life and the role of God in life. He calls into question whether God is truly benevolent or a god of “Mockery” who enjoys watching mankind suffer and struggle. In this passage, Ivan is telling the story of the encounter between “the grand inquisitor” and Jesus Christ. Ivan had previously discussed how the inquisitor had questioned Jesus and his true intentions as God and in the passage above Ivan questions his brother about the possible truth behind the Inquisitor’s questions. He essentially described that through much thought, meditation, and ridding himself of worldly objects, the inquisitor came to the conclusion
