Abstract
In this article, Maxim D. Shrayer offers a new perspective on Fedor Dostoevskiiâs writings about the Jews. Following a trajectory initiated by Vladimir Solov'ev and Leonid Grossman, Shrayer argues that for Dostoevskii the Jewish question is primarily religious, rather than social or ethnic. Through close textual analysis, but also by placing the controversial blood libel episode fromThe Brothers Karamazovin the larger context of Dostoevskiiâs fictional and discursive works, Shrayer links the anti-Semitic charges of ritual murder and host profanation with the story of Captain Snegirev and his son Iliusha. In the story of the Snegirevs, Shrayer identifies Dostoevskiiâs keen understanding of (religious) intolerance and scapegoating. Shrayer demonstrates that the conclusion ofThe Brothers Karamazov(Iliusha Snegirevâs funeral) recalls âThe Funeral of âThe Universal Manââ from the March 1877 issue ofThe Diary of a Writerand thus points to Dostoevskiiâs view of the Christian-Judaic reconciliation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.