Book 2 discussion

Book 2

Book 2

by Marlene Azar -
Number of replies: 7

After reading book two, my impression of the characters was pretty much the same.  Ivan still confuses me: earlier in the book he was called an atheist, but in his arguement with the monks and Misuov he claimed that the state should become part of the church. 

The plot is finally beginning to develop.  There is a love triangle between the family members: Dmitry is engaged to Katrina, but likes Grushenka, whom his father also likes, and Ivan likes Katrina.  Also, there has been hints that a murder will occur (that of Fyodor) and the elder bowed in front of Dmitry, and Ratikin said it was because he was predicting Dmitry was going to be the murderer. 

The author is hinting at a theme of finding an answer to "the problem inside your heart," as the elder told Ivan.

I have to say, I didn't understand some parts of the arguement between Ivan and the monks.

In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Mrs. Gutman -
The author tells the reader that Fyodor is murdered in the first paragraph of the book. You are getting at the essence of the novel. You will want to revisit Ivan's argument again.
good work
In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Shauna Raiger -
I agree with you. I, too, could hardly understand the argument that took place between Ivan and the monks. It was far too complicated for me. Still, however, I think that the book is getting more interesting, but I also think that there is still much more to the plot than we know.
In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Bobby Hayter -
They dialouge was a little confusing, but basically, as I interpret it, Ivan and the Monks were arguing about, as you stated, the church becoming the state, as to the state becoming the church. Ivan also argued that love comes from the manking believing in immortality. And that if you stop believing in this immortality, you will then find it ok to commit crimes. Or something of that matter. Ivan IS an atheist, he just likes to make arguments. I think he sorta likes playing the Devil's Advocate.
In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Marlene Azar -
So I re-read the arguement and understood a little more of it.  In addition to the state becoming part of the church, Ivan says that if the church ruled everything, punishment for criminals would be different-- the criminal would be cut off from both man and from Christ, because he or she would be commiting a crime against the Church because the church is in power.  The only thing that protects society from crime is the fact that people have a concience, which comes from the belief in the church and an after-life.  WIthout that beleif, people would not care about commiting a crime.
In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Miranda Cummings -
I thought the argument was really boring at first but once i reread it I found some good points in it. But the argument did not need to be that long!
In reply to Marlene Azar

Re: Book 2

by Ava Dark -

I am confused about Ivan too.  It's pretty crazy that Dmitry and Fyodor both like the same woman.

Also, you are genius.