Pyotr Petrovich And Semyonovitch Essay

Using characterization of Pyotr Petrovich and Andrey Semyonovitch and a criticising, almost condescending, narrative voice, Dostoevsky communicates his belief that the new generation is full of ignorant people who put on an affectation to seem educated and progressive. Andrey Semyonovitch appears first in the passage. He is thought to be “a leading young progressive” (8) who plays “an important part” (9) in the new revolution. His appearance as a leading revolutionary was enough to “impress Pyotr Petrovitch” (11). At first he is appears to be bright, but it is quickly revealed that “Andrey Semyonovitch really was rather stupid” (58). In fact, “he did not know much about his own work of propaganda” (71). Including this descriptions of Andrey emphasizes the lack of brain in the Russian movement. The development of this character adds a bit of humor to the passage. Dostoevsky has created this man who firmly stands with the new doctrines flooding into Russia, although he does not know what any of it means. Clearly, Andrey represents the entire Russian population because he is described as a

He jumps at any opportunity to “remind [others] of [their] inferiority” (92)He believes there is a “great difference between” (98) between him and Andrey; however, he is characterized very similarly by the author. “What precisely was now the object of their attacks?” (41) Pyotr asks. Cluelessness afflicts this man like it does Andrey. Since he is an older man, Luzhin is not a part of the “younger generation” (30) and therefore is not classified as a strong progressive, but he does seek “the favor of ‘our younger generation’” (30). Luzhin does not know the purpose of the progressive movement, still he does everything in his power to gain their acceptance. He wants to be accepted by the masses, making him another follower. The irony in this thought process once again adds a comedic element to the