He Doesn't Get Out Much - The Underground Man

A long time ago, in the nineteenth century, a Russian named Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote a piece of literature that is so compelling and morally acute that it is perhaps one of the most studied pieces of writing ever - Notes From Underground. The story is entirely fictional, but the innately human questions the author asks and attempts to answer in part one of the book are all too real. Initially, the reader is revolted, and a little intrigued, by his style of writing. The writing is radically different from anything else; there is nothing like it. He seems to speak in endless contradictions and riddles, as well as having superfluous syntax, nonetheless, his singularly overly-wordy writing style seems oddly fitting for the ideas that are probed. On occasion, we become introspective. Usually in reaction to an event or emotion, but usually we don't have any idea what is going on with us and don't make the effort to decipher the emotions, motivations, and feelings in their entirety. The underground man does just that, as well as highlight political ideals and struggles in old Russia. This book must be approached with an open mind and a sharp mind. At once, we must open our minds and expand to begin to comprehend the scope of the writing, but also make our minds keen and sharp to interpret the writing. The phrase "method to the madness" most definitely comes from this book. No author is quite so abstract while still managing to remain on point and not succumb to pure folly as Dostoevsky. He brazenly begins his book by degrading himself in the most conspicuous of ways. The underground man says, " I am a sick man... I am a spiteful man. I am an unpleasant man..." (3). It may seem that the beginning is only a melodramatic hook, alas! From the beginning the book deteriorates further into a maelstrom of confusion and madness! The contradictions are abundant, and the soul is depraved.
The following clip accurately depicts the mental state and feelings of the underground man. The behaviors are remarkably similar as well.