Book 4, Chapter 2: At His Father’s
Focus Excerpt: Page 184
Discussion Question:
Transition chapters as character development: How does Fyodor’s behavior offer insight into his desires while simultaneously deepening the bond between him and Alyosha?
- Fyodor exhibits intense narcissism in this scene
- Complaining about the coffee
- Explaining his choice for the red headtie
- Saying Ivan “won’t get a fig out of me anyway”
- Asserting his need for money to attract younger companions
- Fyodor is angry that Ivan’s treatment of him is “all put on”
- Fyodor speaks with Alyosha in confidence and secrecy
- Fyodor is comfortable, but exhausted after thinking all night
- Ivan has gone away to secure a girl
- Fyodor’s body is in terrible condition
- Fyodor is a grumpy, ugly old man
- Fyodor chooses to invite Alyosha, but forgets that he did
- Trust between the two characters
- Divulging of information regarding his estate and plans
- In a perfect world Fyodor would have Grushka for himself
- Alyosha contests his father’s thoughts, but is reverent
- Fyodor hopes the best for his “dearest” son, Alyosha
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