Notes from Underground is a groundbreaking work by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1864. This novella is often considered one of the earliest examples of existential literature and provides a deep, introspective examination of the human condition. It is divided into two parts: the “Underground” section, which is a monologue by an unnamed narrator, and the “Apropos of the Wet Snow” section, which recounts events from his past.
The narrator, frequently referred to as the Underground Man, is an isolated and disaffected former government official who now lives in self-imposed exile from society. His monologue reveals his profound alienation, bitterness, and disdain for social conventions. The Underground Man is characterized by his intense self-awareness and intellectualism, which paradoxically lead him to a life of inaction and self-destructive behavior.
In the first part of the book, the Underground Man delivers a series of reflections on his own life and philosophy. He explores themes such as free will, the nature of human behavior, and the conflict between rationality and irrationality. His rants against the rationalist and utopian ideals of his time highlight his existential crisis and skepticism about the possibility of personal redemption or societal progress.
The second part, “Apropos of the Wet Snow,” presents a more concrete narrative about the Underground Man’s interactions with others, particularly a failed attempt to reconnect with a former acquaintance and a disastrous encounter with a young woman. This part reveals the complexities of his character and further explores his inability to engage meaningfully with the world around him.
Notes from Underground is notable for its innovative narrative style and its profound psychological and philosophical insights. Dostoevsky’s use of the unreliable narrator allows readers to engage deeply with the protagonist’s internal conflicts and existential doubts. The novella’s influence extends beyond literature into fields such as psychology and philosophy, reflecting Dostoevsky’s deep engagement with the fundamental questions of human existence.