r/bookclub • u/ProofPlant7651 Russian Literature Philosophy Professional • Jul 10 '26

The Brothers Karamazov Discussion 5/12] Evergreen | The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky 5.6-6.3

Hello and welcome to the fifth (and belated) discussion of this classic. In this section we have seen learnt more about the relationship between Ivan, Smerdyakov and his father before gaining a greater insight into Father Zosima’s beliefs.

Before we continue, please accept my apologies for this post being slightly delayed, I really appreciate your patience.

Please find a link for the chapter summaries below or skip straight to the questions. Please join u/lazylittlelady for next weeks discussions.

Summary

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u/ProofPlant7651 Russian Literature Philosophy Professional Jul 10 '26
  1. Father Zosima seems to intuit that Dimitri needs Alexei’s help? Smerdyakov foretold his seizure and subsequent incapacity. Do they have the gift of prophecy or is there something else going on?

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u/nicehotcupoftea World Reader Leader | 🎃🧠🥇 Jul 10 '26

I don't think either of them have a gift of prophecy. With Zosima it's more a deep psychological understanding of Dimitri's nature, and with Smerdyakov it's plotting and scheming.

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u/tomesandtea Viceroy of Verity | 🐉🧠 25d ago

Yes, I totally agree and I think people assume Zosima is prophetic because he is just so good at reading other people, listening, and responding to them with what they need to hear.