Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - Anteckningar från källarhålet

Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

Anteckningar från källarhålet by Fyodor Dostoevsky

13 reviews

nvrrrdie's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I read the Norton Critical Reader with translation by Michael Katz.

As of writing this review I have not yet finished reading all of the (useful) added texts/criticisms appended to the novel.

Essentially this novel is a response to the utopian ideals presented by rationalist philosophy as it began gaining cultural prominence in 19th ce Russia. Dostoevsky counters the utopian idea with the image of a man who is irrational. The underground man is vain and obsessed with suffering and torments others while not gaining anything from such behaviour - particularly Liza, the unwitting witness of his shame and misery onto whom he unleashes his aggression.

The perfect and deterministic rationalism that Notes responds to suggests that prosperity is the only advantageous quality for the improvement of mankind's condition. It will correlate to modernity and achievement. Notes questions this, asking whether suffering may not also have its advantage and whether people would actually behave in such a manner that rationalism suggests - this appears doubtful to Dostoevsky.

There is also discussion of rationalism + determinism that I have difficulty summarizing right now. I don't know if I would consider this correct upon review but it may read as the anxiety of a culture that is no longer sure of free will and has to reckon for the first time with the suggestion of determinism. Although the novel may argue against it, I don't know if I find it particularly clear or compelling. I would prefer to turn to much later and more contemporary works on the subject for a more satisfying reply.

Overall I did find this of some interest especially because I do also prefer to reject utopias or the supposed linear growth and progress /achievement of civilization - I think those are mistaken and limited in perspective. My understanding of this novel is far from complete right now and I think I kind of get how it is trying to disrupt the questionable basis of the views of his contemporaries. But as for effectively driving that point home in part ii either it's beyond my grasp or it's just not quite there.

Chuckled a lot because I too am a indulgent hermetic freak who is deeply sick from my own consciousness (I think these qualities are important to note as how Dostoevsky intends to present his countermodel to the rational character) but like...... yikes man! glad I'm irrational but not THAT bad << joke but also he is horrible. as intended.

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shibbie's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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hjb_128's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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jeremie's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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saomah5566's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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i_write_on_occasion's review against another edition

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Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A reflection of a character with a fascinating mind. Some parts are dated and a bit uncomfortable, but I am able to look past them

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filipa_maia's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was my first time reading Dostoevsky and, for me, his writing is a middle ground between confusing and brilliant.

This is a very heavy and dense book but that completely transmits to the reader the utter caos that is going on in the main character's head. His feelings of not want to belong to the society but, at the same time, being alone. He wants to be left alone but wants to be noticed. He wants to be independent from others but wants to be loved.

Confusing!
Brilliant!

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