Notes from Underground PDF is a novella by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, first published in 1864. It was published by the Russian literary journal “Epoch,” which was edited by Dostoyevsky’s brother, Mikhail. Since then, the novella has been published by various publishers around the world. Some of the notable ones include Penguin Classics, Oxford University Press, and Vintage Classics.
The novella received mixed reviews when it was first published. Some critics found it to be a masterpiece, while others dismissed it as the ramblings of a madman. However, over time, it has come to be regarded as a classic of Russian literature and a masterpiece of existentialist fiction.
“Notes from Underground” explores several themes, including the nature of human consciousness, the absurdity of human existence, and the struggle between reason and passion. The novella is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of a series of fragmented, disjointed musings from the narrator, who is an unnamed, embittered former civil servant. The novella is available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, and ebook.
Table of Contents
Notes from Underground Summary
In the first part of the novella, the narrator, who is a former civil servant, presents his thoughts and opinions on various topics such as society, free will, and human nature. He often contradicts himself and is sometimes irrational, making it difficult to understand his true intentions.
In the second part, the narrator recounts a series of events that take place after he meets a prostitute. He becomes obsessed with her and begins to act in ways that are harmful to himself and others. The narrator ultimately destroys himself, both physically and emotionally, due to his unhealthy obsession with the woman.
Throughout the novella, the narrator grapples with existential questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. He questions whether it is possible to have true freedom, or if our actions are predetermined by external factors such as society and upbringing.
The novella is often seen as a critique of the modern society of Dostoyevsky’s time, which was becoming increasingly industrialized and capitalist.
Details of Notes from Underground Book
| Book | Notes from Underground |
| Author | Fyodor Dostoyevsky |
| Original language | Russian |
| Originally published | April 1864 |
| Category | Philosophical fiction |
| Publisher | Epoch |
| Total Pages | 133 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of Notes from Underground Book
Notes from Underground has been translated into numerous languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and more.
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About the Author
Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a Russian novelist and philosopher, born in Moscow in 1821. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time and is particularly known for his penetrating psychological insights and deep understanding of human nature.
Dostoyevsky’s upbringing was marked by tragedy and hardship. His father was murdered when he was young, and he suffered from epilepsy and chronic illness throughout his life. Despite these challenges, he went on to study engineering and literature, and he eventually became a prominent writer and public figure in Russia.
Dostoyevsky’s works often explore themes of existentialism, religion, and morality, and they are known for their intense psychological depth and complex characters. Some of his most famous works include “Crime and Punishment,” “The Brothers Karamazov,” and “Notes from Underground.”
Throughout his life, Dostoyevsky also struggled with personal and political turmoil. He was imprisoned and sentenced to death for his involvement in a political group, but his sentence was commuted to hard labor. He later went on to marry and have several children, but his personal life was marked by financial struggles and the death of his wife.
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Similar Books to Notes from Underground Book
- The Stranger by Albert Camus
- Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
- Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
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- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Notes from the Underground difficult to read?
The reading difficulty of Notes from the Underground may vary depending on the individual reader’s familiarity with the style of classic Russian literature.
What is the message of Notes from Underground?
The novella explores themes such as existentialism, free will, and the human condition, but its message is open to interpretation.
How many pages is the Notes from Underground?
The page count of Notes from the Underground may vary depending on the edition and format, but it is typically around 100 pages.
What is the best translation of Notes from Underground?
The best translation of Notes from the Underground may depend on personal preference, but popular translations include those by Constance Garnett and Richard Pevear, and Larissa Volokhonsky.
What is the significance of the title of Notes from Underground?
The title of Notes from the Underground may refer to the narrator’s psychological state, as he feels trapped and isolated from society, or it may allude to the narrator’s rebellious rejection of established norms and values.
