Reason vs. Madness

The Idiot

The conflict between rational thought and irrational madness in the characters.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Myshkin's Epilepsy Myshkin's Epilepsy from "The Idiot". Myshkin's Epilepsy The Condition Myshkin's epilepsy gives him moments of heightened awareness but also leads to fits. His 'idiocy' is misunderstood.

Myshkin's Epilepsy from "The Idiot". Myshkin's Epilepsy The Condition Myshkin's epilepsy gives him moments of heightened awareness but also leads to fits. His 'idiocy' is misunderstood.

Myshkin's Epilepsy The Condition Myshkin's epilepsy gives him moments of heightened awareness but also leads to fits. His 'idiocy' is misunderstood. The Moment He describes the ecstatic moment before a fit, where time seems to stop.

Rogozhin's Madness Rogozhin's Madness from "The Idiot". Rogozhin's Madness Obsession Rogozhin's love for Nastasya borders on madness. He is driven to murder.

Rogozhin's Madness from "The Idiot". Rogozhin's Madness Obsession Rogozhin's love for Nastasya borders on madness. He is driven to murder.

Rogozhin's Madness Obsession Rogozhin's love for Nastasya borders on madness. He is driven to murder. The Trial His brain fever is cited as a mitigating factor, but he is still convicted.

Hippolyte's Despair Hippolyte's Despair from "The Idiot". Hippolyte's Despair Rational Suicide Hippolyte plans suicide as a rational act, but his failure shows the irrationality of his plan.

Hippolyte's Despair from "The Idiot". Hippolyte's Despair Rational Suicide Hippolyte plans suicide as a rational act, but his failure shows the irrationality of his plan.

Hippolyte's Despair Rational Suicide Hippolyte plans suicide as a rational act, but his failure shows the irrationality of his plan. Death He dies quietly, his madness unresolved.

throughout

the confession