NTFU Reaction 4

            In the fourth section of Notes from the Underground, we dive further into the life of a much younger version of the Underground man.  Although he has an intense hatred for himself as a young man, the reader is able to see the softer side of him that desperately wants to be a functioning part of society.  The drive to be included in a group of friends, and have people to relate to drives the narrator from his cave and into society.  Unfortunately his distrust of humanity and desire to be praised and respected by all leads him to come off as rude, arrogant, and anti-social.  We learn that as a child he was ridiculed, and was a designated outcast in school.  I think this is what probably led to his major insecurities about himself, and his apparent mistrust and hatred of most people.  He clearly thought at a different level than most people, and saw them all as lesser than himself.  This viewpoint drives him to isolation, yet he also wishes to be included in society.  This two different feelings have split him into two pieces, and this leaves him troubled with every decision he makes.