Character Analysis- Zosima 2-15-08

Emily Franco

Graham/ 2^nd
English 3H
Zosima

“More in life is needed than academic knowledge alone, however brilliantly supported – that is, a moral responsibility and love for all men. It does not follow, however, that declaring responsibility for all men can be efficacious where unsupported by reason.” ( Ross, Zosima’s “Secret of Renewal” in The Brothers Karamazov”)

Dostoevsky paints a very colorful picture of his characters in The Brothers Karamazov. However, there is one character who stands out more so than the others in a certain sense. Zosima, the priest, and the mentor to Alyosha is the epitome of love, second chances, perseverance, and forgiveness. These qualities are very special and stand out brightly in a novel such as this. Zosima’s character and quality are unmistakably recognizable through his conversations with other characters in The Brothers Karamazov. Zosima’s characteristics are especially recognizable in situations which deal with conflict between faith and doubt, free will, moral responsibility, justice, and redemption through suffering. Zosima is the picture of love and passion withing The Brothers Karamazov.

The main conflict in The Brothers Karamazov is the conflict between faith and doubt. Faith is personified through Zosima and his mentee Alyosha. Disbelief and doubt are embodied by Ivan and Fyodor. Dostoevsky shows that faith and doubt allow different types of behavior. Zosima’s love of God overflows into a love for mankind. Zosima loves in an unconditional fashion. His main concern is to love all people, forgive and not judge those around him, also to lessen suffering where it is possible. Zosima is a Godly example of such things. The reader learns of this through his conversations with Alyosha and even with Alyosha’s family. Zosima believes that "Love redeems and saves everything." Zosima also says: "Many times, it is necessary to treat people as if they were children, or as if they were sick." It is this quote which leads the reader to understand why Zosima has so much patience for other men who are lost and confused.

In book two there are many example of Zosima extending himself to others. In doing this he shows them love. For instance in book two, chapter two: Zosima speaks to Fyodor about lying and respect. In this Zosima gives an accurate description of Fyodor’s life in which it parallels other characters in their oppressing situations. In this scene of the book Zosima tells Fyodor:

“ The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to such a pass that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love, and in order to occupy and distract himself without love he gives way to passions and coarse pleasures, and sinks to bestiality in his vices, all from continual lying to other men and to himself." (Book II, Chapter 2).

Zosima’s message is spoken clearly in book six, chapter three. It is here that Zosima, in order to augument life, gives of himself in love.

"My friends, ask gladness from God. Be glad as children, as birds in the sky. And let man's sin not disturb you in your efforts, do not fear that it will dampen your endeavor and keep it from being fulfilled, do not say, 'Sin is strong, impiety is strong, the bad environment is strong, and we are lonely and powerless, the bad environment will dampen us and keep our good endeavor from being fulfilled.' Flee from such despondency, my children! There is only one salvation for you: take yourself up, and make yourself responsible for all the sins of men. For indeed it is so, my friend, and the moment you make yourself sincerely responsible for everything and everyone, you will see at once that it is really so, that it is you who are guilty on behalf of all and for all. Whereas by shifting your own laziness and powerlessness onto others, you will end by sharing in Satan's pride and murmuring against God." (Book VI, Chapter 3)

From this quote it is easy to see that Zosima loves and cares about the people that surround him very dearly. Zosima offers them a sense of Godly unconditional love to the very best of his ability. In this quote Zosima speaks to people telling them that they should take it upon themselves to be responsible for the sins of all men, just as Christ was. Zosima simply takes peoples sins upon himself, in this he is showing active love. Zosima explains that this is their salvation just as it was his salvation. Thus, Zosima is a lover of mankind, which is explained in his interactions with others. Zosima concludes: "What is Hell? It is the sufffering for being no longer able to love.""

“Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love
every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants,
love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine
mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it
better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an
all-embracing love." -Father Zosima, from "The Russian Monk" (Book Six of The Brothers Karamazov).

The Grand Inquisitor is an argument which shows the lack of faith which continues to grow in mankind that lies in the center of Ivan’s heart and logic this eventually makes him lose his reason. Within the Grand Inquisitor, Christ’s response to the Inquisitor is simply to kiss him on the lips, as a profound gesture of love. Zosima, in other ways, mimics the kiss that Christ gives to the Grand Inquisitor, in his interactions with the other people around him. Throughout the novel, Dostoevsky shows that to choose a life of love and faith, shown by Zosima, is the only constructive answer to the evil and suffering that result from free will. It is by no means the easy option, as is shown by Alyosha's crisis of the soul after Zosima's death, but it is the compassionate one.

In regards to moral responsibility Zosima teaches that every person should responsible for everyone else's sins as explained above. This is why it is so important for people not to judge others but to practice love, even with criminals, it may be through love, the criminal may repent and can be changed. For Zosima, it would be strange to his character to see someone suffering and not help them.

Zosima says that “the acknowledgement of one's own conscience" is the only effective punishment for doing wrong. Zosima believes that the person needs to reflect on his own wrong doing in order to fully repent and believe. This is the only thing that will bring this certain person to repentance. Zosima also says that “Everything passes, only truth remains.”

Through all of this, it is easy and clear to see the Zosima does portray everything pure and good in this novel. If not for him, Alyosha would not have the same outlook on things and would not be so strongly grounded in his faith. It is imperative to see that Zosima is the very essence of love, humility, forgiveness, wisdom and kindness. Zosima does not judge others nor does he make accusations. Instead he takes up their cross and walks the line. Instead of getting upset with them for not being responsible for their own mistakes in life, he chooses to carry their burden, as Christ did for us. In addition, Zosima tries to extend himself to others and teach others fundamentals of a life spent with God. In the novel, when Zosima dies, his body releases a stench. Many try to say it is because Zosima was not the person he professed to be. This stench troubled many and also confused many. However, although part of their doctrine, it is almost necessary to look past this stench, and see the kindness of his person and his characteristics his overwhelming kindness and patience with those he comes in contact with. In regards to the first quote put in this essay, one believes that it is crucial, like Zosima, to have a reason and a driving force behind everything thing in life, no matter how big or minute that things might be.

Journal Sixteen - 2/7/08

Dmitry, is in trouble once again and in need of 3000 roubles. When his plan A fails he goes to Madame Khokhlakov's to ask for 3000 roubles. This is very funny because Dmitry barley knows Madame Khokhlakov and furthermore Madame Khokhlakov does not even like Dmitry. So it is entirely absurd to think that Madame Khokhlakov would even lend him any amount of money.

Moving on, Dmitry asks anyway. Ironically, it would seem, she agrees to lend him the 3000 roubles. Even more, it seems she has devised a plan that would make him financially stable. She even tells him that he should go to work in mine as thats where most make good money. She also tells him that she can give him more roubles than he asked for. Dmitry is greatly please by this. He demands that he be given the money that day, even.

When Dmitry demands the money Madame Khoklakov sounds very confused and asks Dmitry what money he is talking about! This scene is very comical because she seems as though all the things she mentioned to Dmitry prior to this, she cannot remember or understand. She tells Dmitry he has lost it, she even goes so far as to say she does have any money. Dmitry is back at square one!

The reason this scence is extremely funny is because Dmitry actually believes that a lady he does not know or a lady the does not even like him would lend him any amount of money. Furthermore, the Madame leads him to believe, raises his hopes, and then shoots him down. Thus putting him back at the beginning of his troubles.

Journal Fifteen - 2/6/08

Alyosha, after Zosima's death, was at a stage where he was deeply troubled, confused and depressed. He could not understand why God would allow such things and such accusations to be brought up against Zosima. While he was struggling with these certain things, Ivan gave him an offer that he took. This offer had the potentiality to destroy Alyosha's faith. However, while at Gruschenkas, where he has the option to back slide, Alyosha instead sympathizes with Gruschenka and expresses kind words towards her.

Gruschenka is deeply moved by these kind words. At this, Gruschenka begins to tell Alyosha her past and and tells him her secrets and all the things that she has harbored in her soul for so long. Alyosha's words seem to bring her pain, because she knows the activities she has partaken in are wrong. However, in all her pain, Alyosha's words bring her a certain hope. It is now when Alyosha notices and feels the need to forgive in his own life. By Grushenka telling Alyosha these things, Alyosha realizes the need in his life.

After, Alyosha leaves Grushenkas and goes to visit Zosima's coffin. While at the monastery he begins to pray, while he is praying he gets a vision. In this vision he saw Zosima in heaven at the great feast. In this, Zosima tells Alyosha to continue to finish the work that God gives him.

Like many others throughout history, Alyosha saw what it was like to have the bottom fall out of your life. Alyosha experienced pain, heartache and feelings of inadequacy. However when Alyosha was able to realize, through hearing Grushencka, he knew what was right. Thus, Alyosha's turn in faith is believable and he is able to continue his work in Christ.

Journal Fourteen - 2/4/08

Has Alyosha lost his faith?

Thus far in The Brothers Karamazov Alyosha is face with issues concerning his faith. This struggle becomes so great that the reader, in the light of the current situation, believes that Alyosha has. However, Alyosha has not lost his faith.

Currently, Alyosha's greatest role model, Zosima, has passed away. Not only has he passed away but his body is releasing an odor. This would signify the sinful and corrupt nature that Zosima had housed within. Alyosha is greatly trouble not only by Zosima's death but also by this odor. The greatest role model Alyosha has just passed away. In addition to going through Zosima's death, Zosima is being accused of heresies. Those who were jealous of Zosima and those that did not approve of him point to the odor as evidence. Alyosha begins to wrestle with the things that have been presented to him thus far.

At this time Alyosha is also struggling with Dmitry, Fyodor, and Ivan. In light of everything that has just happened Alyosha begins to think of the conversation he had with Ivan just the day before. At this time Rakitin approaches Dmitry. Rakitin bothers Alyosha and finally Alyosha admits that he believes in God, and will continue to believe, however, he does not accept the world. Soon after hearing this, Rakitin offers him Vodka, Sausage and to take a visit to Gruschenka. Alyosha accepts his offers and leaves with Rakitin.

At this point, I conclude that Alyosha is very troubled, confused and upset. Alyosha is asking himself why these things are happening. Everything that he has believed and known to be true has suddenly failed him. Furthermore, I do not think that Alyosha has lost his faith, rather in anger and confusion, has accepted Rakitin's offers. It is safe to say, Alyosha has set aside his faith, thus he has begun to let his faith go.

Journal Thirteen - 2/4/08

Zosima's Theology:

While I find many parts of Zosima's theology to be biblical there are a few certain parts in which his theology is flawed and does not mirror the biblical focal point. In this part of the novel Zosima hinges on the importance of prayer, love, and tuning into the world beyond the physical. However, there is one point which I find extremely incorrect.

On page 319 Zosima says "Love the animals: God gave thems rudiments of thought and of untroubled joy. Do not trouble it, do not torment them, do not take their joy from them, do not go against God's purpose. Man, do not exalt yourself above the animals: they are sinless and you, you with your grandeur, fester the earth by your appearance on it, and leave your festering trace behind you."

First, This is extremely un-biblical and goes against God's word. In Genesis God tells Adam, to rule over the animals, the fish of the sea and the birds of the air. He tells Adam to fill the earth and subdue it. Second, Animals do not have a sin nature. By this I mean, how can they possibly know if they are sinning. It seems highly illogical. Furthermore, Gods purpose for humans and animals was simple. Man does not exalt animal. Animals do not have the authority or power to rule over humans. Thus it would seem Zosima is going against God's teachings. While animals do may not have sin nature and may not know weather they are sinning, they do not have soul. Because animals do not have a soul they are not accountable.

Yes, it is true, humans are sinful and our SIN may fester the earth. However, the cost Christ paid for us is certainly enough to conquer our "festering sin". Zosima's logic and reasoning are incorrect. Animals are not higher than man. Not only by common sense but biblically. Adam was given clear instructions to rule over the animals and subdue it. Man certainly does not have to yield to animals. Man does not also have to worry about taking their joy.

Journal Twelve - 2/1/08

Karamazov Blood:

When surveying Zosima's life, his past and present, I have come to the conclusion that Zosima has expierenced the Karamazov blood and may even have it, however, he has clear self control. Zosima has the ability to keep himself in check and clearly see the whole picture. Thus, he keeps the Karamazov within under control.

Fyodor and Dmitry are the epitome of Karamazov blood. They bring out the fundamentals of Karamazov blood: selfishness, pleasure, manipulation and anything that brings self gratification. Sadly to say, Fyodor and Dmitry are not the only ones who have the Karamazov blood. Alyosha, later, struggles in order to find a balance.

The Karamazov blood can be seen in Zosima's past. Zosima grew up in a good home. It was at this time when he came to know the fundamentals of a moral and ethical life. However, he was send over to the Cadet Corps. Being on his own he began to live a completely different life. Zosima began to like this life, he made good money and even found himself a girl. Zosima, however, did not want to leave the life of bachelor hood to settle down to a girl who was well to do and educated. Zosima moved on with his life and was stationed elsewhere. Soon after Zosima returned to the town of the girl that he loved only to find that she was married to a reputable land owner. Zosima was furios and challenged him to a duel. The night before the duel and morning of, however, Zosima was over taken with remorse. This changed his attitude and his life. While at the duel he asked for forgiveness and put aside his gun. Zosima then announces that he will leave behind his current life to become a monk.

From this example the reader knows that Zosima does have the Karamazov blood running through him. However, he has the ability to control and subdue himself.

Journal Eleven - 2/1/08

There have been in which 3000 roubles has been used throughout the novel. There are three different accounts in which the 3000 roubles signifies something deeper and this sum of money unifies the novel in the which it brings more insight to the characters.

In the beginning of the novel Dmitry is angry at Fyodor over 3000 roubles. Dmitry believes that his father owes him these 3000 roubles as part of an inheritance. However, Fyodor never really intends to give Fyodor any money. While at the monastery the reader finds out it is because Fyodor believes Dmitry spends his money on foolish things. Those foolish things being prostitutes.

The next issue we see concerning 3000 roubles is when Katerina gives Dmitry 3000 roubles in order to send it to her family in Moscow. However, instead of wiring the 3000 roubles to Moscow, like he promised he would, he spent it on Gruschenka. However, Dmitry sees the urgent need to pay back Katerina and asks Ivan to beg there father for 3000 roubles.

Fyodor is also connected to 3000 roubles. Fyodor has 3000 roubles put away in an envelope to pay Gruschenka. Ivan later finds out from Smerdykov that Fyodor does have 3000 roubles stored away in order to pay Gruschenka.

When looking upon this situation, it is simple to see the rivalry and competition that 3000 roubles represents. You have two people fighting and wasting money on the same person. 3000 roubles simply represents the brothers in their competition and the money they are willing to spend on what makes them happy.