In the brother’s Karamazov, Ivan’s Inability to analyze his own actions ultimately leads to his insanity, in contrast to Alyosha who is a reflective person able to show more compassion for people.
The idea that those who are better able to reflect on their actions show better ability to make wise choices is a common theme in the brothers Karamazov, and can specifically be seen between Alyosha and Ivan, who both differ ideologically in their beliefs about god and humanity. Ivan is an atheist who doesn’t understand why christians believe there is higher purpose behind human suffering, and bases most of his resentment of god on this idea, while Alyosha believes in god and has a large amount of caring for others and concerns himself in the struggles other people face. Ivan struggles due to his lack of faith and is incapable of being able to analyze his own actions. He doesn’t try to put himself in the position of others to attain a better understanding of them and is very egotistical of his beliefs. These character flaws make Ivan unable to reflect upon himself, …show more content…
This can be seen with Zosima’s character as a man who familiarized himself in the place of those who suffer, and learned humility from his actions. “Kiss the earth and love it, tirelessly, insatiably, love all men, love all things. Seek this rapture and ecstasy.” (322). He gained wisdom from the things he’d experienced in his life, and became teacher like in his words of wisdom before he died, representing how he was a man who placed himself in the shoes of others to understand their position. Zosima, being like Alyosha’s mentor, has shown him the value
The idea that those who are better able to reflect on their actions show better ability to make wise choices is a common theme in the brothers Karamazov, and can specifically be seen between Alyosha and Ivan, who both differ ideologically in their beliefs about god and humanity. Ivan is an atheist who doesn’t understand why christians believe there is higher purpose behind human suffering, and bases most of his resentment of god on this idea, while Alyosha believes in god and has a large amount of caring for others and concerns himself in the struggles other people face. Ivan struggles due to his lack of faith and is incapable of being able to analyze his own actions. He doesn’t try to put himself in the position of others to attain a better understanding of them and is very egotistical of his beliefs. These character flaws make Ivan unable to reflect upon himself, …show more content…
This can be seen with Zosima’s character as a man who familiarized himself in the place of those who suffer, and learned humility from his actions. “Kiss the earth and love it, tirelessly, insatiably, love all men, love all things. Seek this rapture and ecstasy.” (322). He gained wisdom from the things he’d experienced in his life, and became teacher like in his words of wisdom before he died, representing how he was a man who placed himself in the shoes of others to understand their position. Zosima, being like Alyosha’s mentor, has shown him the value