The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

Written by Fyodor Dostovesky

Narrated by Richard Mitchley and Ghizela Rowe

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky was born in Moscow on 11th November, 1821 to distinguished multi-ethnic parents from a Lithuanian background.

His childhood years were at the family home in hospital grounds which also contained an orphanage, an insane asylum and a cemetery for criminals. The young Fyodor often disobeyed his father by talking to the ill in the hospital gardens.

His health was compromised at age 9 when he experienced his first epileptic fit. By the time he was a teenager both parents had died and he was now enrolled in a military academy where he graduated and eventually became a Lieutenant in 1842. He left military service the next year.

In 1846 he published his first novel ‘Poor Cow’ to great literary acclaim. His next was unable to emulate that success but his short stories helped provide an income. Life as an author was definitely difficult. As he began his next work he was arrested and incarcerated for treason and participation in the political and literary Petrashevsky Circle. Although the case was weak and unjustified he was sentenced to 4 years of hard labour followed by 5 years of military service in a Siberian regiment.

Despite the undoubted hardships and setbacks in his life, and whether they helped or hindered his writing, his talents produced many exceptional works of literature including ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘The Idiot’ and ‘The Brothers Karamazov’.

Dostoevsky’s ability to get under the skin of his characters and show the inner workings of their mind was hugely influential and ahead of its time. Interwoven with this was the influence of the broader social, spiritual and political forces at work in a person's psyche.

Fyodor Dostoevsky struggled financially and remained in poor health for much of his adult life. He died from a lung haemorrhage on 9th February, 1881.

‘The Dream of a Ridiculous Man’ is one of his many classic short stories that turn a splinter of the ordinary into the spiralling descent of chaos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Copyright Group
• Release date: Jan 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781839679698

Reviews for The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

[Spartak Lalaj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So simple a story, yet so profound.
The reading did it justice, very good quality.

[Madhav Deshpande · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" by Fyodor Dostoevsky "In 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man,' Fyodor Dostoevsky takes readers on a metaphysical journey through the depths of human consciousness. This short story is a profound exploration of redemption, despair, and the nature of humanity."

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a mesmerizing and philosophical short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky that delves into the inner workings of the human soul. In this review, we will unravel the layers of this thought-provoking narrative and its enduring impact on literature.

Narrative and Structure:

The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who is burdened by a profound sense of disillusionment and despair. He contemplates the meaninglessness of life and the moral degradation of humanity. The narrative takes a transformative turn when the protagonist experiences a dream, which transports him to another world, a utopia inhabited by morally pure beings. Dostoevsky's narrative structure is masterful, seamlessly shifting between the protagonist's bleak reality and the surreal dream world. This juxtaposition serves to emphasize the stark contrast between the two realms, highlighting the central themes of the story.

Themes and Philosophical Depth:

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a quintessential Dostoevskian exploration of human nature and spirituality. It grapples with themes of redemption, guilt, and the potential for change within the human soul. The protagonist's journey from despair to enlightenment reflects Dostoevsky's belief in the transformative power of inner reflection and moral awakening. The story challenges readers to confront their own ethical choices and the consequences of their actions, making it a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences.

Characterization:

While the story primarily revolves around the inner thoughts and experiences of the protagonist, Dostoevsky's skill as a writer shines through in his portrayal of the human condition. The protagonist's inner turmoil, self-loathing, and eventual epiphany are conveyed with a depth of emotion that allows readers to empathize with his journey. Although other characters are peripheral in this story, they serve as symbols and reflections of different facets of the protagonist's psyche, adding to the story's complexity.

Language and Style:

Dostoevsky's prose in 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is both eloquent and introspective. He employs rich and vivid descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's emotional and psychological landscape. The philosophical dialogues within the narrative are intellectually stimulating, inviting readers to ponder the deeper questions of existence.

Conclusion:

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a literary gem that showcases Fyodor Dostoevsky's profound understanding of the human psyche and his ability to explore complex philosophical concepts within the framework of a short story. It is a work that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to engage in introspection and contemplation. Whether you are a devoted fan of Dostoevsky or a newcomer to his works, this story is a must-read for those seeking a transcendent and thought-provoking literary experience.

Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal assessment and preferences as a reader. Individual opinions may vary.

Book Review: "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" by Fyodor Dostoevsky "In 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man,' Fyodor Dostoevsky takes readers on a metaphysical journey through the depths of human consciousness. This short story is a profound exploration of redemption, despair, and the nature of humanity."

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a mesmerizing and philosophical short story by Fyodor Dostoevsky that delves into the inner workings of the human soul. In this review, we will unravel the layers of this thought-provoking narrative and its enduring impact on literature.

Narrative and Structure:

The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who is burdened by a profound sense of disillusionment and despair. He contemplates the meaninglessness of life and the moral degradation of humanity. The narrative takes a transformative turn when the protagonist experiences a dream, which transports him to another world, a utopia inhabited by morally pure beings. Dostoevsky's narrative structure is masterful, seamlessly shifting between the protagonist's bleak reality and the surreal dream world. This juxtaposition serves to emphasize the stark contrast between the two realms, highlighting the central themes of the story.

Themes and Philosophical Depth:

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a quintessential Dostoevskian exploration of human nature and spirituality. It grapples with themes of redemption, guilt, and the potential for change within the human soul. The protagonist's journey from despair to enlightenment reflects Dostoevsky's belief in the transformative power of inner reflection and moral awakening. The story challenges readers to confront their own ethical choices and the consequences of their actions, making it a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences.

Characterization:

While the story primarily revolves around the inner thoughts and experiences of the protagonist, Dostoevsky's skill as a writer shines through in his portrayal of the human condition. The protagonist's inner turmoil, self-loathing, and eventual epiphany are conveyed with a depth of emotion that allows readers to empathize with his journey. Although other characters are peripheral in this story, they serve as symbols and reflections of different facets of the protagonist's psyche, adding to the story's complexity.

Language and Style:

Dostoevsky's prose in 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is both eloquent and introspective. He employs rich and vivid descriptions to paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's emotional and psychological landscape. The philosophical dialogues within the narrative are intellectually stimulating, inviting readers to ponder the deeper questions of existence.

Conclusion:

'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a literary gem that showcases Fyodor Dostoevsky's profound understanding of the human psyche and his ability to explore complex philosophical concepts within the framework of a short story. It is a work that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to engage in introspection and contemplation. Whether you are a devoted fan of Dostoevsky or a newcomer to his works, this story is a must-read for those seeking a transcendent and thought-provoking literary experience.

[Nouf Qahtani · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I decided to listen to this audiobook on a whim. I don't have much to say except that this was incredibly beautiful to listen to.