Dostoevsky's Demons 16: Conclusion and Summary or The Dead Bodies and the Eclipse of Hope

We tally up the dead bodies and give an account of what the novel as a whole means. There is no real way out of the problem in Russia, if we look to the dead bodies and those who have left the town.

[juliekuvakos]

This was quite a heavy book. My 3rd Dostoevsky novel I have read but I found to be the hardest one to read. Not simply just the characters but mainly their relationships with one another was difficult to keep track of. I feel like his books deserve to be read several times to truly get the most out of them. That being said I still feel it was of immense value to go through it even if I did miss some things along the way despite my pencil and highlighter in hand! What amazes me most about his books and particularly this one is how he is able to present even the most fanatical ideas (such as the utopian society) in a way that makes sense. It is interesting look into how the psychology of each individual can take these fanatical ideas in many directions. I love that you can learn so much about history but also see how it repeats itself in modern times in his books. I love that he never pushes a particular ideology giving the reader a better scope of how these political or societal ideas can be both birthed and how they lead to ironically death. So much could be said and his books always leave me in a weird head space but I can’t stop.

[DaveGuenthner]

Your commentary was amazing. By standing on your shoulders, I was able to understand this book and the valulable lessons within. Thank you! I went from almost giving up, found your videos, I was then off to the races!

[nmestler]

Thanks much for this excellent series of videos. These have been a great help as I read this novel. This was the most challenging Dostoevsky novel that I have read, but I am struck at Dostoevsky's prescience. This is a timely novel for our day as well.

[marvinjarboe]

Thank you very much for doing this series on “Demons.”

[montanagal]

My third Dostoevsky book as well. I struggled towards the end with the names and relationships. I felt there was something profound that I barely grasped that had to do with Good versus Evil OR God and the Devil. The scene between the cripple and Nikolay seemed to highlight the fact she could see, he was indeed possessed. It was kinda scary because I've seen that in a human being as well.
The author also seems prophetic in making the claim, without saying it, what came to pass in Russia was of their own making (of-course could never blame anyone for what happened but Communism is truly evil and how could he know). Which is strangely chilling, due to the similarity of atheism and embracement of immorality here in the US currently. We seem to be sinking in the same direction. It's frightening.
Thank-you for your excellent summary and analysis.

[unorthodox_dating]

The novel was quite heavy and I found the characters confusing at certain times but your analysis is beyond praise amd clarifying. Thank you sir.

[AfsanaLivingHiStories]

Splendid analysis.
Kirilov and Shatov are so pure and cute. My favs.
The end was a bit open ended. I still don’t get Pyotr’s angst making him aa nutty as he was. Was he getting back at his father Stepan for his abandonment?

[Joey_Doe]

This was a great series. Would you consider doing a video over the woman question in this book?

[reelingandwrithing]

Thank you for an amazing analysis. I just finished Demons and have been watching your videos alongside the reading, which I’d recommend to anyone to dramatically enhance my understanding. I hope to return to your channel soon along my literary journey.

[Hoodinator]

Thank you! I’ve finished all 16. Took me a week but well worth it. I am very thankful to you and acknowledge your expertise and unique ability to dissect this book. I read crime and punishment 2-3 years ago and will now go through your videos on that book just for fun 😌☦️❤️

[unorthodox_dating]

What is your favourite Dostoevsky novel?

[Oscar_Mendez]

Thank you a lot for these videos. I wouldn't understand well the book without them. Keep the good work!

[justiceandliberty]

Thank you for your analysis. I came across your videos shortly after finishing the novel. The writing is mysterious, ambiguous, and often hilarious. Your videos shed light on each of the characters and put words to the theme of revolution. Today we face the problem of not recognizing enemies to the left. Jordan Peterson alludes to this problem with the question: how do we know when the left has gone too far?