Ryan C Post #6

      After finishing Notes From the Underground my perspective of the novel had changed from the day I began reading. When I read the first couple of chapters, I thought Dostoyevsky was a crazy author with complex, abstract concepts set aside for philosophers. However, once I finished the novel I realized that Dostoyevsky’s writing was surprisingly relatable. Dostoyevsky describes the human condition in a eye opening manner. For example, at one point the narrator states that he is joking and admits to never telling good jokes, but quickly advises the reader to not take to not take everything as a joke. At first I thought Dostoyevsky was toying with the reader and sprinkling in more contradictions to throw the reader off. However, I realized that the narrator was protecting himself from judgment, by saying his statements were a joke, the reader should dismiss the narrator’s thoughts, however, the narrator already said what he wanted to say. This tactic reminded of a lawyer in trial bringing up evidence that is inadmissible but can help his case, although the jury is not supposed to consider the evidence their thoughts have already been swayed.