Social Class and Moral Hypocrisy

The conflict between social pretensions and moral reality in the novel.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Epanchin Circle

The Epanchin Circle Social Pretensions The Epanchins are concerned with social status. They try to arrange advantageous marriages. Hypocrisy They condemn Nastasya while being complicit in her exploitation.

The Burdovsky Affair

The Burdovsky Affair False Claim Burdovsky's claim exposes the greed and hypocrisy of society. Myshkin's generosity contrasts with the crowd's cynicism. Public Opinion The scandalous article shows how society judges without knowing the truth.

Nastasya's Treatment

Nastasya's Treatment Victim of Society Nastasya is both victim and rebel. Society condemns her while using her. Her Defiance She flaunts her shame and rejects society's norms, leading to her destruction.

throughout the novel

the summer at Pavlovsk

throughout