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Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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Introduction
Fyodor Dostoyevsky was one of the greatest Russian writers. He is famous for his novels that explore human emotions and the struggles of life. Some of his most well-known books include "Crime and Punishment," "The Brothers Karamazov," and "The Idiot." Dostoyevsky's works have been translated into many languages and are still read by people all over the world today.
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Early Life
Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky was born on November 11, 1821, in Moscow, Russia. His family was not rich, but they valued education. Fyodor’s father, Mikhail, was a doctor who worked in a hospital for poor people. His mother, Maria, was a kind and religious woman who took care of the family.
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Fyodor had six siblings—four brothers and two sisters. The family lived in a small apartment in the hospital where Fyodor’s father worked. Even though the family didn’t have much money, they had many books at home. Fyodor loved to read, and he became interested in literature at a young age.
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When Fyodor was 15 years old, his mother died from tuberculosis, a serious disease. This was very hard for Fyodor and his family. After his mother’s death, Fyodor and his older brother, Mikhail, were sent to a boarding school in St. Petersburg, a large city in Russia. The boys missed their home, but their father believed that a good education was important for their future.
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Education and Early Career
After finishing school, Fyodor entered the Military Engineering Academy in St. Petersburg. His father wanted him to become an engineer, a profession that was respected and could provide a stable income. Fyodor did well in his studies, but he was more interested in literature and writing than in engineering.
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In 1839, when Fyodor was 18 years old, his father died. Some people believe that his father was killed by his own serfs (peasants who worked on his land) because he was very strict and treated them badly. This event deeply affected Fyodor and may have influenced some of the dark themes in his later writing.
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After graduating from the academy in 1843, Fyodor worked as a junior engineer for a short time. However, he was not happy with his job, and he decided to leave the military to focus on writing. In 1846, when he was 25 years old, Fyodor published his first novel, "Poor Folk" ("Bednye lyudi"). The book was well-received, and Dostoyevsky became famous overnight. People praised him as a new and talented writer who could describe the struggles of ordinary people.
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The Petrashevsky Circle and Arrest
In the late 1840s, Dostoyevsky became involved with a group of intellectuals known as the Petrashevsky Circle. This group discussed political ideas and social reforms. At that time, Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas I, who had strict control over the country. The members of the Petrashevsky Circle wanted more freedom and changes in the government.
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In 1849, the government discovered the activities of the Petrashevsky Circle, and Dostoyevsky, along with many others, was arrested. They were accused of plotting against the Tsar and were sentenced to death. On December 22, 1849, Dostoyevsky and other prisoners were taken to a square in St. Petersburg where they were to be executed.
However, at the last moment, the Tsar changed their sentences to hard labor in Siberia.
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This was a terrifying experience for Dostoyevsky, and it had a huge impact on his life and writing. The fear and suffering he felt during this time can be seen in many of his later works.
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Exile in Siberia
Dostoyevsky spent four years in a prison camp in Omsk, Siberia, from 1850 to 1854. The conditions in the camp were terrible. The prisoners lived in crowded, cold, and dirty barracks, and they were forced to do hard labor every day. The food was bad, and the guards were often cruel.
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Despite the harsh conditions, Dostoyevsky survived and even found a way to continue his studies. He read the Bible, which was the only book allowed in the prison, and he thought deeply about faith, morality, and the nature of human suffering. These experiences strengthened his Christian faith and influenced his future writing.
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In 1854, Dostoyevsky was released from the prison camp, but he was not allowed to return to St. Petersburg. Instead, he was sent to serve as a soldier in a Siberian regiment. During this time, he continued to write, but he could not publish his works under his own name.
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Return to St. Petersburg and Later Works
​In 1859, Dostoyevsky was finally allowed to return to St. Petersburg. He was now free to write and publish his works again. Over the next few years, he wrote several novels and stories that explored the lives of people in Russian society.
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In 1861, Dostoyevsky and his brother Mikhail started a magazine called "Vremya" ("Time"), where they published articles, stories, and novels. However, the magazine was banned by the government in 1863 because it published an article that the authorities did not like. Despite this setback, Dostoyevsky continued to write.
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In 1864, Dostoyevsky’s wife, Maria, and his brother, Mikhail, both died. This was a very difficult time for Dostoyevsky. He was deeply in debt and struggled with his health. To make things worse, he had a gambling problem that caused him to lose much of the money he earned.
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During this time, Dostoyevsky wrote one of his most famous novels, "Crime and Punishment" ("Prestupleniye i nakazaniye"), which was published in 1866. The novel tells the story of a young man named Raskolnikov who commits a murder and then struggles with guilt and fear. "Crime and Punishment" is considered one of the greatest novels in world literature and has been translated into many languages.
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Marriage and Financial Struggles
In 1867, Dostoyevsky married Anna Snitkina, a young stenographer who had helped him with his writing. Anna was 25 years younger than Dostoyevsky, but their marriage was happy, and she supported him through difficult times.
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After their marriage, Dostoyevsky and Anna traveled to Europe, where they lived for several years. During this time, Dostoyevsky continued to write, but his gambling problem caused many financial difficulties. He often lost large amounts of money at casinos, and the couple had to move from place to place to avoid their debts.
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Despite these problems, Anna remained loyal to Dostoyevsky and helped him manage his finances. She encouraged him to finish his novels, and with her support, Dostoyevsky wrote some of his most important works, including "The Idiot" ("Idiot") in 1869 and "Demons" ("Besy") in 1872.
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Final Years and "The Brothers Karamazov"
In 1871, Dostoyevsky and Anna returned to Russia and settled in St. Petersburg. By this time, Dostoyevsky was recognized as one of Russia’s greatest writers. However, his health was declining, and he suffered from epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures.
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Despite his poor health, Dostoyevsky continued to write. In 1879, he began working on what would become his final and greatest novel, "The Brothers Karamazov" ("Bratya Karamazovy"). The novel is a complex story about faith, family, and the moral struggles of human beings. It was published in 1880 and is considered one of the greatest achievements in world literature.
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Death and Legacy
Fyodor Dostoyevsky died on February 9, 1881, at the age of 59. His death was a great loss to the literary world, but his works continue to be read and studied by people all over the world.
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Dostoyevsky’s novels explore deep and difficult questions about human nature, morality, and the meaning of life. He is known for his ability to create complex characters who struggle with inner conflicts and emotions. His works have influenced many other writers, philosophers, and thinkers.
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Today, Dostoyevsky is remembered as one of the greatest writers in history. His books have been translated into many languages, and they are studied in schools and universities around the world. Dostoyevsky’s insights into the human soul and his exploration of moral and philosophical questions continue to resonate with readers today.
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Conclusion
Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s life was full of challenges, but he used his experiences to create some of the most powerful and important literature in history. His works continue to inspire and move people, showing us the complexities of human life and the struggles we all face. Dostoyevsky’s legacy as a writer and thinker will live on for generations to come.
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Glossary for Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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Novelist - A person who writes novels.
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Russia - A large country where Dostoyevsky was born.
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Philosophy - The study of ideas about life and existence.
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Society - A group of people living together in organized communities.
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Prison - A place where people are kept as punishment for crimes.
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Characters - The people in a book or story.
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Psychology - The study of the mind and feelings.
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Influence - The effect a person has on others.
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Plot - The main events of a story.
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Classic - Something widely known and important over time.
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True/False Questions
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Dostoyevsky was born in St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Dostoyevsky's first novel was called "Poor Folk."
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Dostoyevsky was sentenced to death but was saved at the last moment.
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Dostoyevsky had a happy and wealthy life after he returned from Siberia.
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Dostoyevsky’s final novel was "The Brothers Karamazov."
Comprehension Questions
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Where and when was Fyodor Dostoyevsky born?
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What kind of job did Dostoyevsky's father have?
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How did Dostoyevsky’s mother influence his early life?
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What event deeply affected Dostoyevsky during his time at the Military Engineering Academy?
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What was the Petrashevsky Circle, and why was it important in Dostoyevsky's life?
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Describe Dostoyevsky’s experience in the prison camp in Siberia.
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How did Dostoyevsky's gambling problem affect his life?
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Who was Anna Snitkina, and how did she help Dostoyevsky?
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What is "Crime and Punishment" about, and why is it significant?
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How is Dostoyevsky remembered today?
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