Today’s discussion regarding Dostoyevsky’s NFTU focused primarily on the narrator’s take on what is “beautiful and sublime”. He claims that his being “too conscious” results in a lack of appreciation for the beautiful and sublime, instead, it drives him to want to destroy it. This drive stems from a deep rooted envy towards everything that is beautiful; he feels the need to have power or control over it. Although I’ll admit the narrator’s enjoyment in destruction seemed a bit delusional to me, after the class discussion I realized we are all victims of this need for power over what seems to be too perfect.
My questions regarding the significance of “the wall” were answered as well. The wall that is mentioned several times throughout the novel symbolizes a barrier/limit/boundary/end. Relating this back to the 19th century, the removal of this wall in the form of morphing someone’s fixed beliefs (religion) is what caused unfamiliarity and fear. It is interesting that we rely so much of this notion of “the wall” that when it is destroyed, it shatters our vision of hope, comfort and protection.
The topic about generalizations/stereotypes was brought up in the class discussion today. Although this is a controversial subject, the class seemed to be okay with the generalizations made towards Blacks being the best athletes. When the question towards Jews being the smartest race was posed, the class was strongly opposed. I realized today that generalizations are not important to you necessarily unless they involve you.
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