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.

Journal Ten - 1/28/08

Outline of the Grand Inquisitor:

1. The descriptive argument of the Grand Inquisitor is as follows:
   1. Ivan states that human beings can be grouped into two different groups. The two groups would grouped by
      1. 1. Whether or not a person can and choses to manage freedom.
         2. Or, if this freedom is displayed in actions.
            
      2. He argues that the people have shown:
         1. A regular failure on consistently achieving even subsistence in food.
         2. An impossibility in bearing the burden of responsibility for important moral decisions.
         3. A need for unity and a marked inability to live with difference.
2. Ivan's poem, The Grand Inquisitor explains the data as follows:
   
   1. Most humans are not capable of handling freedom, of even taking care of their simple everyday needs, and on a higher degree, accepting the ethical obligation of living with differences despite personal opinions. Ivan comes to the conclusion that since what he has seen occur in the world is a clear explanation that this has been the pattern of human behavior from the beginning of human history.
   2. Ivan that there is a small group of people who are different. However, they are only different by nature.This small group of people are those who can things for themselves, handle responsibility and not only live with difference, but are able to generate it.
      
3. Explanation:
   1. The inquisitor believes that he and many like him are those able to demonstrate the way to end with material ends, and also take a certain ethical responsibility upon themselves and accept differences.
      
   2. The inquisitor believes he loves people and that his natural (one of the few who are able to accept and create differences) condition of humans results in the suffering and anxiety and constant war between those who do not have the naturalistic "gift".
   3. The Inquisitor, believing he loves others, sacrifices himself to get things done himself. These sacrifices include making ethical decisions and also keeping the peace. This is enormous work and an awesome responsibility.
   4. This is all very easy, the others can do this as well, they just need to:
      
      1. Be able to give basic needs and the material to other people.
         
      2. Choose to and take the responsibilty to Make the ethical decisions for everyone.
      3. Work to make unity among all people by liking and believing the same things, thus there is no difference, which means no conflict. By doing this nobody will have to judge weather they are living correctly based on others lives and their doings.
         

Journal Nine - 1/23/08

Has Ivan effectively proved the injustice of God's plan?

While at the restaurant the two brothers begin to talk about the existence of God and the immortality of the soul. Ivan tells Alyosha that he believes in God, that there is a God, and that in his own heart he has not rejected God, however, he cannot find it within himself to accept God or the world that God created. Ivan explains to Alyosha that he can love the world as a whole, but when it comes down to loving individual men, he cannot. Ivan explains that he does not understand why a there is suffering on Earth. He comes to ask Alyosha how a just God could allow children to suffer, as they are too young have committed sin. He compares loving the God who allows suffering to a man who loves his torturer. The reader infers that at this point in their conversation that Alyosha has become troubled by these questions. Ivan asks Alyosha if he could accept a perfect world, if perfection depended on the suffering of one person. It is at this point where Alyosha reminds Ivan about the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross. The same situation.... Christ, one man, had to suffer in order to atone the world. He tells Alyosha that he has not forgotten the gift and sacrifice that God has made, he simple cannot except it.

I do not think that Ivan has PROVED the injustice of God's plan. I believe Ivan has laid out the evilness in man. God is a benevolent God. Thus, he gave us free will. If God did not give us free will, that would mean that God would not be Benevolent.

In class and as reading this chapter in The Brother's Karamazov, I had to go back to faith and my bible. It was in this that I remembered the Verse from John 1:5: The Light Shines in the Darkness, but the darkness does not understand it. In references to Gods atonement: God was the light, who came to this earth, and shone, but the world [darkness] did not understand. Even now, God has sent his spirit who shines in the darkness but the darkness still does understand it. God has given us free will, he has sent us his spirit, which shines, but we still do not understand this.

Concerning Children: While children are innocent the ones harming them are not, they are not children, and they have sinned. This can be traced back to the Original Sin. It may be appropriate to say that God does not intervene because that would not allow free will to be free will.

Journal Eight - 1/22/08

Common Ground Between Smerdyakov, Fyodor, Ivan, Dmitry, and Alyosha.

Smerdyakov was born into a broken family. His mother is known as Stinking Lizaveta and his father is not around. After Smerdyakov was born, Marfa found him next to his dead mother, after she found him she decided to take him in. Currently, the reader knows that Smerdykaov wants to have a better life for himself than what he was born into. So far, he has working for Fyodor as a chef. However, it is too soon to judge him! He mostly keeps to himself, however, he is very intellectual and he longs to leave Russia behind. It is simple for the reader to make connections and recognize similarities between Fyodor, Ivan, Dmitry, and Alyosha.

Smerdyakov and Ivan are similar in that they are both are intellectual and they both keep to themselves. They go with anything, but the status quo. Ivan and Smerdyakov are similar as they are both not the "Typical" russian stereotypes. Smerdyakov would like to move to Moscow and Ivan has a passion to move to Europe.

Sadly, or not, Smerdyakov does not have much in common with Dmirty and Fyodor. Dmitry is more eccentric and Smerdyakov is nothing like that. Alyosha and Smerdyakov are completely. Smerdyakov does not share the same religious views as Alyosha. Concerning Fyodor... Fyodor is only interested in himself and getting things that will make him happy. He is only concerned with himself and the things that make him happy.

Journal Seven - 1/17/08

Concerning Gruschenka.

Yes, it is true that Gruschenka is a scoundrel. She is manipulative, rude, and dishonest. Grushenka is very self centered and will hurt anybody in order to get what she wants.

Gruschenka begins screaming after listening to Katerina expose the reader to Grushenka's plan. Gruschenka had planned to marry another man who she had loved prior to Dmitry. However, the problem is that by marry Dmitry she will be able to gain more than by marrying this other man. Gruschenka is manipulative in that even though this is false she goes along with the story until she is able to put her self in a position to manipulate both Katerina and Dmitry.

Soon after, Katerina becomes quiet in order to see if Gruschenka will kiss her hand. However, she did not. At that exact moment Grushenka suddenly had the idea that she would keep Dmitry for herself. The reader is really able to see how manipulative Gruschenka is. Of course, Grushenka would never let anybody have Dmitry if she could have him, even if it means she does not love him. Its all about competition to her.

This is the perfect example to show that Gruschenka is a scoundrel. She will stop at no cost to get what she wants. Katerina gave Gruschenka a chance, while most people just wrote Gruschenka off as a phony. In turn, Gruschenka chose to manipulate and take advantage of the situation.

Journal Six - 1/16/08

Is Dmitry a Scoundrel?

Thinking back on the events of chapters eight and nine. I would have to conclude that Dmitry is a scoundrel. Although Dmitry was angry he disrespected his father, pushed him and threatened him. This is simply not appropriate not matter the circumstances.

In Chapter Eight, Dmitry comes bursting in screaming that Gruschenka must be hidden in his father's house at once. He does not even take the time to ask if in fact she was there. He is immediately disrespectful and demanding. This is the wrong thing to do. Even if Dmitry and his father disagree with each other, Fyodor is still his father, Dmitry owes him respect.

Dmitry is so concerned about himself he does even take the time to ask nicely. In the chaos, Fyodor accuses him of stealing money. As soon as Dmitry hears this he pushes his father on the floor, screams at him, threatens to kill him, and runs out of the house. This is evidence enough to prove that Dmitry is a scoundrel.

In all of this created chaos, which could of been avoided, had Dmitry been respectful, it is clear that Dmitry is in fact a scoundrel. In the course of two short chapters, Dmitry yells at his father, pushes him down, and threatens to kill him. Some might also say Fyodor is a scoundrel too, as he treated Alyosha poorly. Nevertheless, Dmitry was rude and disrespectful to his own father. This is unacceptable.

Journal Five -1-14-08

Dmitry's Treatment Concerning Katerina.

In book three of The Brothers Karamazov, chapters one through five, the reader sees a side of Dmitry as he attempts to visit Katerina. From this reading it is easy to see that Dmitry lacks some moral characteristics, however, he is driven my conscience. Although his conscience would occasionally persuade him to do the right thing, this does not make him less of a scoundrel.

Upon receiving the not from Katerina, Alyosha begins to make his way to Katerina's house. However, along the way, he runs into Dmitry, Katerina's es-fiance. It is then that Dmitry told Alyosha of his past experiences with Katerina. He tells Alyosha how Katerina paid no attention Dmitry until he began to try to seduce her. He did this by offering her 4,500 rubles to pay off an outstanding debt of her fathers. However, has his plan was coming into place he began to feel bad and recognized that what he was doing was wrong. After this act of conscience he decided to give Katerina the money without trying to seduce her. Soon after, when Katerina receives and inheritance from a relative, she offers to marry Dmitry. Dmitry agrees, however, upon their arrival into the same town that Fyodor lives, he fell for Grushenka. Then he also stole 3,000 rubles from Katerina to finance his affair.

Taking away the fact the Dmitry stole from Katerina, it seems he did nothing wrong. What he did mean for evil in the beginning, turned out good. He did nothing wrong to Katerina at this stage. However, stealing from Katerina to finance an affair is unacceptable. If he really loved Grushenka then he needed to tell Katerina and stand on his own feet to support the two of them, instead of stealing from his ex-fiance.

The fact that he stole from Katerina to fiance his relationship with Grushenka is what makes him a scoundrel. Even though he tried to seduce Katerina, his conscience got the better of him, and his previous thoughts can be forgiven. However, stealing from his soon to be wife only to finance a side relationship is what makes Dmitry a scoundrel.

Journal Four- 1/11/08

Fyodor:
This passages make it very easy to pick up on Fyodor and his character traits. From the passages read, it might make the reader think that Fyodor is crazier and more foolish than the reader initially thought.
Fyodor seems very jealous. When Fyodor begins to criticize Dmitry, Dmitry fights back. Telling Fyodor is jealous and implies that he is not a very knowledgeable. Before leaving the monastery Fyodor stars another argument when he bursts into the luncheon. Fyodor insults the life of one who live in a monastery and yells about how idiotic it sounds. Once he is finished ranting he proceeds to leave but as he leaves he yells at Alyosha to leave the monastery and come back home. While Fyodor is on his way home, he think about the fight that he will start when they all arrive back home.
This just goes to show that Fyodor is jealous, greedy and thinks all things must be about him. He causes scenes like this it might seem for attention because they are so stupid and pathetic. It also seems he needs something to complain about. Fyodor must always be right, hence when he puts in the last words to Alyosha to come back home as he rides away.

Journal Three - 1/10/08

The Debate Arguments-
Upon the return to Zosima's office Alyosh and Zosima find Miusov, and Ivan debating over Ivan's article about ecclesiastical courts. Miusov, who fancies himself a politician of some sort, argues along with the rest but they toss his argument aside and ignore him.

Ivan:
Ivan states in his argument that church and state should be one, they should not be separated. The church should be involved with the state so that it may administer laws to the land, also the clerical courts, which Ivan's article speaks of, would be in charge of the judicial side of this. Ivan argues that if the courts were clerical courts then less crime would occur. He states that less crime would occur if clerical courts were implemented because people would not be committing a crime against the state but also God.

Miusov:
Miusov disagrees with Ivan arguing that if they were to follow things his way it would be Ultramontanism. Miusov uses this term to refer to the pope in Rome which is over the mountains from Russia. Also, this would give the pope complete power. However, the others ignore his argument.

Zosima:
Zosima agrees with Ivan. He says the church chooses not to become involved with the state. He also says that the biggest driving force is one conscience and that it is conscience that will push people to repent.

Journal Two- 1/9/08

Zosima:
It is very clear that the narrator uses Zosima to portray sympathy. Zosima is the Elder who instructs Alyosha. Zosima is very intelligent and loving. Zosima's message is clear: forgive others, love others, and value what God has made and brought about. It is in this way that Zosima is able to show sympathy to the sinner, unloved, the loved, the outcast etc.

At this point in time the controversy surrounding the elders is due in large part to Ivan ecclesiastical courts. This brings argument is argued by politics and theology.

Journal One- 1/8/08

Fyodor:
Fyodor is the father of Alyosha, Ivan, and Dmitry. He is not affectionate, not only towards them, but towards most things, often forgetting what child belongs to which mother. Fyodor seems out to get what he wants and will not stop pursuing what he wants despite the outcome. Fyodor in addition to being selfish seems unsophisticated, and it would seem unwholesome. His only aspiration is to be successful thus resulting in greediness.

Dmitry:
Dmitry is a very easily swayed person. He is the eldest son of Fyodor and is carried away by his passions. Once, not caring about Fyodor, he now assumes that he owes him a significant amount of money. He seems to go where he can make things easier on himself and get what he wants, or at least try, faster.

Ivan:
Ivan is the middle son and seems to completlely contrats his brothers. He is the extreme of what they are not. He is very intelligent and loving. He finds pleasure in doing good. Ivan seems to know there is more to life that what appears on the surface and he is eager to find out what.

Alyosha:
Alyosha is the younger of his three brothers and has a love for God which cannot be matched within his family. This love translates into loving other people as well. He seems to take time to understand and love others. Thus, he is the exact opposite of his vulgar dad.

Interaction with a character:
If I met with Alyosha my experience would be interesting, to say the least. I would be most eager to meet with Alyosha because he seems to be the type of person one should want to be! I think this would be interesting because Alyosha and I are not alike in anyway, except one, we both share a passion for God. However, Alyosha's love for people are "man-kind," if you will, seems to be too large and too frustrating to have. I would like to understand his mindset and understand where Alyosha is coming from.