Inspired by an image of Christ's suffering, Dostoyevsky set out to create a protagonist with "a truly beautiful soul" and to trace the fate of such an individual as he comes into contact with the brutal reality of contemporary society. The novel begins when the innocent epileptic Prince Myshkin - the 'idiot' - arrives in St Petersburg and finds himself drawn into a web of violent and passionate relationships that leads to blackmail, betrayal and eventually murder.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) was a Russian novelist and philosopher known for his deep psychological insight and exploration of human nature. His most notable works include "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "Notes from Underground." Dostoyevsky's writing style is characterized by its intense and philosophical themes, as well as its complex and multi-layered characters. He is credited with pioneering the psychological novel and greatly influencing the development of existentialist literature. "Crime and Punishment" is widely considered his most famous work, exploring themes of morality, guilt, and redemption. Dostoyevsky's contributions to literature have had a lasting impact, inspiring countless writers and thinkers with his profound exploration of the human condition.