The Idiot

¶ … Idiot

Prince Lyov Myshkin is the main character of Dostoevsky's the Idiot. In terms of redemption, he is often characterized in ways reminiscent of Christ, who, on account of the way in which he spoke and thought, was obliged to live among hostile neighbors who did not understand him. He was thus obliged to live alone, also not understanding the hostility. Furthermore there appears to be in this character a timid purity that reminds the reader of the same trait in Christ. This appears to denote a fear of sex and procreation, which was part of Christ's and indeed of Myshkin's mission in the world. Myshkin's interactions with other characters, and his characterization throughout the novel then reflect the main theme of the novel, which is redemption or the lack and impossibility thereof.

In the beginning of the novel, the reader is introduced to Prince Lev Nikolaevick Myshkin (the idiot) and Parfion Semyonovich Rogozhin. These are the two main characters of the novel. Their relationship, and the initial discussion between them and petty official Lebedyev, shape the rest of the events and themes in the novel. The importance of money for example is emphasized when Myshkin and Rogozhin arrive at the train station:

Thank you, too, for the clothes and the fur coat you promise me, for I certainly shall need clothes and a fur coat directly. As for money, I have scarcely a farthing at the moment." (p. 11).

Both Rogozhin and the official promise that money will be available in the evening. It is interesting to note that the main characters, Myshkin and Rogozhin, are opposites in almost every way. Myshkin plays the role of a foreigner in his country, misunderstood and rejected by his neighbors, despite his impressive family lineage. The reason for this is his four years in a mental institution in Switzerland. He is thus a sort of social outcast, although he does not hesitate to share this fact with Rogozhin and Lebedyev. Rogozhin appears to share a profound insight in Myshkin's character when he refers to him as a "blessed innocent" (p. 11):

you are a regular blessed innocent, and God loves such as you." (p. 11).

Myshkin then appears to take no offense, or even to be unaware of the somewhat sarcastic tone used by his companions when interrogating him.

When Myshkin has finished his story, Rogozhin also relates an event from his life. He has stolen money to buy earrings for the town beauty, Nastasya, who will also play a central role in the novel. The theme of redemption is countered here by materialism. He borrows money to flee his father's wrath, but becomes ill when arriving at his aunt's house elsewhere. When he recovers, his father dies and Rogozhin inherits money. The theme of redemption is addressed here in a minimal sense. Rogozhin does something wrong - he steals money. For this he is punished with illness: