Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Ivan in The Brothers Karamazov. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 7 page essay that analyzes and discusses the role of Ivan in Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. The writer argues that Ivan's role pertains to the tension that exists between the concepts of religious faith and doubt. Faith in God is pictured through the life of one of the brothers, Alyosha, and the trauma of doubt and skepticism is portrayed in the life of Ivan. No other sources cited.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khivanbk.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
is pictured through the life of one of the brothers, Alyosha, and the trauma of doubt and skepticism is portrayed in the life of another brother, Ivan. Dmitri, another brother,
seems to represent other passions and considerations, but it is mainly in contrasting Ivan and Alyosha that Dostoevsky explores the theme of faith versus doubt. Examination of the novel
shows that through the voice of Ivan, Dostoevsky has a ready means for expressing negative ideas concerning religion. In other words, Ivan frequently plays "devils advocate," when discussing the subjects
of religion, the role of faith and the existence of suffering in the world. Also Ivans characterization aids the progression of this theme by showing that the effect of skepticism
in his life is devastating to Ivans sense of personal happiness, as he clearly finds it painful to live with this particular world view. Even Smerdyakov, the
brother who eventually murders the despicable father of the Karamasov brothers, Fydor Pavlovich, is not as tormented by inner conflict and trauma as is Ivan. Extremely intelligent and a good
student, Ivan is possessed with an analytical mind and he is unable to reconcile the injustice of human suffering, especially when it comes to children, with the concept of an
all-knowing, loving God. In the chapter entitled, "The Brothers Make Friends," Alyosha and Ivan are talking and Ivan goes off on a tirade that reveals his basic worldview. In
this long monologue, Ivan insists to Alyosha that he accepts God and he believes "in the underlying order and the meaning of life," which includes the "eternal harmony in which
they say we shall one day be blended" (Book 5, Chapter 3). Nevertheless, while Ivan is willing to accept the basic premises of the Christian faith, he is unwilling to
...