The Brothers Karamazov Summary and Complete Study Guide

At trial, Dmitri is convicted despite passionate defenses. But the real murderer was Smerdyakov, who hangs himself after confessing to Ivan. Ivan has a mental breakdown, tortured by guilt—his philosophical ideas influenced Smerdyakov to kill. Alyosha tries to maintain faith and help others despite the tragedy. Dmitri accepts his suffering as potentially redemptive, even though he's innocent. The book asks huge questions: If God exists, why is there suffering? If God doesn't exist, what's the basis for morality? Can reason alone provide meaning? The Grand Inquisitor chapter argues that humans would rather have security than freedom. Each brother represents different philosophies, and none triumph completely. Dostoevsky suggests faith might be necessary even if you can't logically prove God exists. It's about wrestling with doubt, understanding that ideas have real consequences, and finding meaning in suffering.

Published 1880, Dostoevsky's final novel exploring faith, doubt, and morality. Widely considered one of the greatest novels ever written.