71 pages • 2 hours read
Fyodor DostoevskyThe Devils (The Possessed)
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1871A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky depicts a small Russian town overtaken by political revolutionaries, leading to social chaos and a series of deaths as the characters grapple with issues of free will, social injustice, and the perils of radicalism. Following Nikolai Stavrogin and his associates, the novel delves into the psychological impacts of extremism amidst the backdrop of ideological conflict. The book contains discussions and depictions of abuse, suicide, sexual abuse of a minor, and domestic and political violence throughout.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Devils presents a chilling examination of political and moral chaos. Reviews laud its profound philosophical insights and complex characters, but some find its dense narrative challenging. Readers appreciate its portrayal of ideological conflict, though the intricate plot and lengthy discussions can deter those seeking a lighter read. Overall, it's a thought-provoking masterpiece.
Who Should Read The Devils (The Possessed)?
Reader Profile: An individual intrigued by philosophical and political themes, particularly in the context of 19th-century Russia, would enjoy Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Devils (The Possessed). Fans of The Brothers Karamazov or Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace would appreciate the intricate character studies and existential inquiries in this novel.