Reason vs. Madness

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

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Myshkin's Epilepsy

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 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 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

throughout

the confession