Once Smerdyakov murders Fyodor due to Ivan’s theory that God, therefore, good nor evil exist, Ivan is burdened by the struggle to reconcile his influence, therefore, the guilt of the murder. The reality of disturbance in Ivan’s inert moral being seems impossible for an often intellectually cold individual. While much of Ivan’s ideology and practice derive from his education, therefore environmental influence rather than natural character, however, one’s natural inclination for education and intellectualism could result in an in-depth and extensive education, for which similar opportunity was provided to Alyosha. Ivan’s thoughtfulness also contrasts with Fyodor’s impulsive nature and he also doesn’t seem to have a parental figure. In a way,
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When Dimitri is arrested for Fyodor’s murder, Ivan feels guilty and defensively says “I’m not my brother’s keeper,” but Ivan finally accepts the guilt. Digging even deeper into Ivan’s childhood, it is apparent that in contrast to Alyosha, who we earlier discussed was carefree of where he lived, Ivan has alway been conscious and critical of these things. Therefore, he naturally possessed the inclination of an intellectual mind. However, what further complicates Ivan is a combination between a brilliant analytical mind and a heart that loves humanity but only shows concern on scholarly critics who distances himself from directly interacting in a loving manner with people. This intellectual and detached characteristic contrasts the active love Father Zosima teachers and Alyosha practices. In the end, there is a hope for Ivan, who mirrors the classic war between the mind and heart.
Ivan proclaims that if nothing else, the Karamazovs all share a “passion for living.” In Fyodor’s case, this passion consists of a constant appetite for sensual gratification. Alyosha, however, simply desires to be connected to the world and its creatures, spreading love and understanding. Such disparate attitudes all spring from this “passion for living,” so it seems to be a neutral energy that can be used for good or ill. “Passion for living” is necessary for a good life, though it easily can be redirected through
When Dimitri is arrested for Fyodor’s murder, Ivan feels guilty and defensively says “I’m not my brother’s keeper,” but Ivan finally accepts the guilt. Digging even deeper into Ivan’s childhood, it is apparent that in contrast to Alyosha, who we earlier discussed was carefree of where he lived, Ivan has alway been conscious and critical of these things. Therefore, he naturally possessed the inclination of an intellectual mind. However, what further complicates Ivan is a combination between a brilliant analytical mind and a heart that loves humanity but only shows concern on scholarly critics who distances himself from directly interacting in a loving manner with people. This intellectual and detached characteristic contrasts the active love Father Zosima teachers and Alyosha practices. In the end, there is a hope for Ivan, who mirrors the classic war between the mind and heart.
Ivan proclaims that if nothing else, the Karamazovs all share a “passion for living.” In Fyodor’s case, this passion consists of a constant appetite for sensual gratification. Alyosha, however, simply desires to be connected to the world and its creatures, spreading love and understanding. Such disparate attitudes all spring from this “passion for living,” so it seems to be a neutral energy that can be used for good or ill. “Passion for living” is necessary for a good life, though it easily can be redirected through