The Brothers Karamazov is a novel written by Fyodor Dostoevsky late nineteenth century in Russia. At the time of the novel being written and published Russia was divided, part of Russia was evolving like Europe and began to question religion, and no longer believed in God they were called Westernizers. The other part of Russia was deep rooted in the nationalism of Russia, and in the original religion of Russia which was Russian Orthodox Church; there people were referred to as Slavophiles. Observing that most of Russia at the time were Slavophiles and the author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, was struggling between which group he felt more comfortable being a part of. Although he did not get to make the full decision on his own his struggle is reflected …show more content…
There is no virtue if there is no immorality.” “You are blessed if you believe so, or else most unhappy !” “Why unhappy?” Ivan Fyodorovich smiled. “Because in all likelihood you yourself do not believe either in the immorality of your soul or even in what you have written about the church and the church question.”” (Dostoevsky 70).
Zosima questions Ivan’s happiness and says that his happiness is dependant on his belief in God. Although, Zosima is correct Ivan’s happiness is not dependant on his belief in God his happiness lies in his peace of mind, and not choosing to believe in God or not. The strain in Ivan of making a decision on his beliefs take a toll on him. Zosima then further analysis Ivan’s life and tells him:
“”You weren’t quite joking, that is true. This idea is not yet resolved in your heart and torments it. But a martyr, too, sometimes likes to toy with his despair, also from despair, as it were. For the time being you, too, are toying, out of despair , with your magazine articles and drawing-room discussions, without believing in your own dialectics and smirking at them with your heart aching inside you…..The question is not tecloved in you, and there lies your great grief, for it urgently demands resolution” (Dostoevsky