New Letters of Dostoevsky

The whole year of 1878 Dostoevsky spent in writing "The Brothers Karamasov." The serial publication of the novel and continuous work on it took him another two years, 1879 and 1880."The Brothers Karamasov" was published in the Russky Vestnik(NN. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of 1879; NN. 1, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 11 of 1880}. These hitherto unpublished letters were written during the years 1879-1881 to N. A. Linbimov, the associate editor of the Russky Vestnik.

Staraia Roussa, May 10, 1879

“…This book, "Pro and Contra," is in my view the culminating point of the novel, and it must be finished with particular care. Its idea, as you will see from the text I have sent you, is the presentation of extreme blasphemy and of the seeds of the idea of destruction at present in Russia among the young generation that has torn itself away from reality. Along with blasphemy and anarchism there is the refutation of them, which is now being prepared by me and will be expressed in the last words of the dying Zosima, one of the characters of the novel. Since the difficulty of the task undertaken by me is obvious, you will certainly understand, much-respected Nicolay Alexeyevich, and excuse me for preferring to extend this part to two numbers, rather than to spoil the culminating chapter by hurry. On the whole the chapter will be full of movement. In the copy I have just sent you, I present only the character of one of the leading figures of the novel, that character expressing his basic convictions. These convictions form what I consider the Synthesis of contemporary Russian anarchism. The denial not of God, but of the meaning of his creation. The whole of socialism sprang up and started with the denial of the meaning of historical actuality, and arrived at the program of destruction and anarchism. The principal anarchists were, in many cases, sincerely convinced men. My hero takes a theme, in my view, an unassailable one: the senselessness of suffering of children, and from it deduces the absurdity of the whole of historical actuality. I do not know if I have accomplished this well, but I know that the figure of my hero is real in the highest degree. (In "The Devils" there were a number of characters, for which I was reproached, on the ground that they were fantastic; then afterwards, would you believe it, they all proved to be real; therefore they must have been truthfully divined. K. P. Pobedonoszev, for instance, told me of two or three cases of arrested anarchists who were astonishingly like those presented by me in "The Devils.") All that is being said by my hero, in the copy I sent you, is based on actuality. All the incidents about the children actually happened, and were published in the newspapers, and I can show where they happened,– I did not invent them. The General, who set his dogs on a child, and the whole circumstance, is an actual fact which was made public last winter, I believe, in The Archiv, and was reproduced in many papers. And my hero's blasphemy will be triumphantly refuted in the next (June) number, on which I am working now with fear, trembling and awe, as I consider my task (the refutation of anarchism) a civic exploit. Do wish me success, much-respected Nicolay Alexeyevich. In the copy I sent you I believe there is not a single indecent word. There is only one thing. A child of five, for not having asked for the chamber-pot at night is smeared all over with her own excrement by the tormentors who have brought her up. But I beg you, I implore you not to strike it out. It is taken from a criminal case, recently tried. In all the newspapers (only two months ago, see Golos, the article "The Mecklenburgh Mother") the word excrement was used. It can't be softened, it would be a great pity to do so. Surely we are not writing for children of ten. Still, I am convinced that even without my request you will preserve my whole text intact. One more trifle. The lackey Smerdiakov sings a lackey's song, and in it is the couplet–

A glorious crown,  
so long as my dearie's well.

 I have not invented the song, but heard and recorded it in Moscow. I heard it forty years ago. It was originally composed by shop assistants, and then it was taken up by lackeys; it was never recorded by collectors of folk songs and I record it for the first time.The actual text of the couplet is:

A Tsar's crown  
So long as my dearie is well.

And, therefore, if you find it convenient, keep, for goodness' sake, the word "Tsar's" instead of "glorious," as I altered the words in case of necessity.

Staraia Roussa, June 11, 1879

The day before yesterday I sent to the Editorial office of the Russky Vestnik the continuation of "The Karamasovs" for the June number (the end of Chapter "Pro and Contra"). In it is finished what "the lips speak proudly and blasphemously." The modern denier, the most vehement one, straightway supports the advice of the devil, and asserts that that is a surer way of bringing happiness to mankind than Christ is. For our Russian socialism, stupid, but terrible (for the young are with it )–there is here a warning, and I think a forcible one. Bread, the tower of Babel (i. e. the future kingdom of socialism) and the completest overthrow of freedom of conscience-that is what the desperate denier and atheist arrives at. The difference only being that our socialists (and they are not only the underground nihilists,–you are aware of that) are conscious Jesuits and liars, who will not confess that their ideal is the ideal of the violation of man's conscience and of the reduction of mankind to the level of a herd of cattle. But my socialist (Ivan Karamasov) is a sincere man who frankly confesses that he agrees with the "Grand Inquisitor's" view of mankind, and that Christ's religion (as it were) has raised man much higher than man actually stands. The question is forced home: "Do you despise or respect mankind, you, its coming saviours?"And they do all this in the name of the love of mankind, as if to say: "Christ's law is difficult and abstract, and for weak people intolerable;" and instead of the law of Liberty and Enlightenment they bring to mankind the law of chains and of subjection by means of bread.In the next book will take place the death of Zosima and his conversations with his friends before his death. It is not a sermon, but a story, an account of his own life. If I succeed, I shall achieve a good work: I will compel people to admit that a pure, ideal Christian is not an abstraction, but a vivid reality, possible, clearly near at hand, and that Christianity is the sole refuge of the Russian land from all its evils. I pray God that I may succeed, for the part will be a pathetic one. If only I can get sufficient inspiration! And the main theme is such, that it does not even occur to the mind of anyone of contemporary writers and poets, therefore it is quite original. For its sake the whole novel is being written. If only I can succeed: that is what troubles me now. I shall send it on for the July number, and not later than the 10th. I shall try my best to do so….

Staraia Roussa, July 8, 1879

.…I would ask you not to demand the continuation of "The Karamasovs" for this month (July). It is nearly ready and, with a certain effort, I could send it you this month. But the important thing to me is that I consider that part ("Pater Seraphicus, The Death of Zosima") one of the culminating points of the novel, and therefore I should like to polish it as well as I can, to go over it and to have another look at it. I take it with me to Ems, and from Ems I shall send it to the Russky Vestnik not later than August the 1oth or the 12th, that is, you will have it in your office by that date. So it can appear in the Russky Vestnik on August 31st (about three folios). Then will follow Book VII, in your September and October numbers, (two and a half folios each month). I declare beforehand that it will produce an effect, and with Book VII, Part II of "The Brothers Karamasov" will end.And now I come to the main point! The novel has also a Part III (not so big in the number of pages, as Part II, but of the same size as Part I). Finish it this year I positively cannot. When I sat down to write the novel, I failed to take into consideration my physical powers. Besides, I began working much more slowly, and, finally, I am taking this work of mine more seriously than I have taken any previous work; I want to finish it well, and there is an idea in it which I should like to set forth as clearly as possible. In it will take place the trial and verdict, and the building-up of one of the leading characters, (of Ivan Karamasov).In a word, I consider it my duty to inform you of and to ask your consent to the following arrangement: After finishing Part II (in the October number) I shall stop till next year. Part III will be finished,-and with it the novel will be concluded-in January, Feb. and March,(not later), perhaps even in Jan. and Feb. of next year; but in order that the newspapers should not blame the editors of the Russky Vestnik (as they did when "Anna Karenin" was running as a serial) for deliberately protracting the serial run of the novel, I shall, in your October number of this year, that is, with the end of Part II, publish a letter in your issue, under my signature. in which I shall apologise for not being able to finish my work this year on account of my health, and tell the public that I alone am to blame. I shall send you this letter for your previous approval. As I consider all this very important for myself, I would ask you, much respected Nicolay Alexeyevich, to let me hear from you if only in a brief note. For certain personal reasons it seems to me that my plan is the best for me in my position, nor can I see any other way out of it….

Ems, Aug. 7, 1879

I hasten to send you Book VI of "The Karamasovs" to be published in NS of the Russky Vestnik. I have called that Book "The Russian Monk," a bold and provocative title, for all the critics who do not like us will cry out: "Is the Russian Monk like that, how dared he put him on such a pedestal?"But the better if they do cry out, is it not so? (And I know that they will not be able to contain themselves.) I think I have not sinned against reality: it is true not only as an ideal, but it is true as a reality.I only wonder if I have succeeded. I myself think that I have not expressed even a tenth part of what I wanted. Yet I regard Book VI as a culminating point of the novel. You will understand that a great deal in the precepts of my Zosima (or, rather, the manner of their expression) belongs to his character, that is, to the artistic presentation of his character. Although I myself hold the same opinions, which he expresses, yet if I expressed them personally from myself, I should express them in a different form and in a different style. But he could not speak in a different style, nor express himself in a different spirit, than the one which I have given him. Otherwise the imaginative character would not be created. Such for instance, are Zosima's views on what is a monk, or on servants and masters, or on can one be the judge of another and so on. I took the figure and character from among the old Russian monks and prelates. With profound humility he has boundless, naive hopes of the future of Russia, of her moral and even political mission. St. Sergius, Bishops Peter and Alexey, have they not always regarded Russia in that light?I ask you very much (I implore you) to give the proofs to a good reader, as, being abroad, I cannot go through them myself. Especially do I draw your attention to proofs 10 to 17 ("Of the Holy Writ in the Life of Father Zosima"). This chapter is enthusiastic and poetic; the model is certain sermons of Tikhon Zadonsky's, and the native exposition is in the spirit of the book "The Pilgrimages of the Monk Parfeni”…Look through the proofs yourself, be a benefactor….

There is a whole series of letters, written by Dostoevsky to the same correspondent, bearing not only on the essential points but also on mere technical details of "The Brothers Karamasov," as for instance, the details about the legal procedure and the trial of Dmitri Karamasov; medical and expert opinion as to the true presentation of Ivan Karamasov's nightmare, etc., etc. This letter is a typical instance of Dostoevsky's preoccupation with the slightest details of "The Karamasovs."

Petersburg, April 18, 1880

....I am glad that you like the young boys. Your opinion of Kolya Krasotkin I am quite ready to share. But here is the trouble: I forgot to correct something in the proofs which I have already returned to you today. Could my mistake be corrected and will you have the time to see to the correction yourself? And would it trouble you (if you had the time) to change the figure, i.e., to add to Kolya's age one year, in several passages of the book? First, in the opening of his biography, on p. 1, where it says that Mme. Krasotkin's husband died many years ago. It should read thirteen years….In a word, add one year to Kolya's age so that although thirteen, he is nearly fourteen, i.e. he will be fourteen in a fortnight.

Staraia Roussa, Aug. 10, 1880

.…I do not know how you regard Chapter IX ("Ivan's Nightmare"). You would perhaps call it too characteristic! But really I did not want to appear "original." But I consider it my duty to tell you that I have asked the opinion of medical men (and more than one). They agree that not only such nightmares, but even hallucinations are possible before "white delirium." My hero, of course, has hallucinations too, but he mixes them up with his nightmares. Not only the physical (morbid) trait, when a man begins at times to lose the distinction between the real and the ghostly (which has happened to everyone once in life), but also the spiritual trait is in keeping with the character of the hero: denying the reality of the ghost, yet, when the ghost has disappeared, insisting on its reality. Tormented by unbelief, yet (unconsciously) wishing at the same time that the ghost were not a phantasy, but something real. 
Well, why go on talking. On reading it, you will see. But forgive my devil: he is only a devil, a pettifogging devil, and not Satan with "singed wings." I do not think the chapter too tedious, though it is rather long. Nor do I think that there is anything in it which will not pass the censor, except perhaps the words: "the hysterical screams of the cherubim." I beg you, pass them: surely it is the devil speaking, and he can't speak differently. But if you cannot possibly let them stand, then instead of "hysterical screams," put "joyous cries." But perhaps you can leave "screams." Otherwise it will sound too prosaic and out of tone. I do not think that any of my devil's chatter will fail to pass the censor. The two stories about the confession-boxes, although in a lighter vein, yet, I think, are not salacious. Does not Mephistopholes fire off in both parts of "Faust" more risky things?I consider that, in Chapter X and last, Ivan Karamasov's spiritual state is made sufficiently clear, consequently also his nightmare in Chapter IX. On the medical side, I repeat again, I had it verified by professional opinion.Although I myself consider that Chapter IX ( The Nightmare) might have been left out, for some reason I wrote it with pleasure, and I do not at all disown it.

"The Brothers Karamasov" in book form was published, in two volumes, with a dedication, to Mme. Dostoevsky, at the end of 1880, in Petersburg. (It was published by the Dostoevskys.) Dostoevsky died two months and three weeks after writing this letter:

Petersburg, Nov. 8, 1880

I am sending you the Epilogue to "The Karamasovs," with which the novel comes to an end. Please send me two sets of proofs. I need the second set for a public reading at the end of November….I shall read the second chapter: "Ilyushechka's Funeral, and Aliosha's speech to the boys." I know from experience that such passages produce an impression at the public reading.Well, the novel is finished! I worked at it for three years, two of which went in publishing it-a momentous time for me. I want to bring it out in book form by Christmas. It is in great demand here, as also among the booksellers in the provinces; they are sending money.Let me not say good-bye to you! Indeed, I intend to live another twenty years and to go on writing.I meant to go to Moscow immediately after finishing "The Karamasovs," but it seems I shall not be able to do so. I press your hand firmly and thank you for your sympathy. And also for your editorial ferule: I need it at times.

This the last letter was written by Dostoevsky in his firm, distinct and almost caligraphic handwriting. Only the phrase "this perhaps my last request" sounds ominous, for Dostoevsky died two days later, Jan. 28, 1881.

Petersburg, Jan. 26, 1881

Much respected Nicolay Alexeyevich, 
Since you have been so long and so often ever considerate of all my requests, may I reckon once more on your attention and help in this, perhaps my last, request?  According to the account sent me by the Russky Vestnik, I have to receive for "The Karamasovs" another four thousand roubles odd. I now need money badly. Kindly inform Michæl Nikiforovich of this. Could you please instruct the editorial office to send me that amount? You can't think how much this would oblige me. I am just about to make a certain purchase, and I need money extremely, otherwise I may miss the chance.Forgive me for not waiting for money from the office of the Russky Vestnik, and for expediting the matter by making this request. I would not do it if I had not a particular need.My deepest respect to your wife and pray convey my respect to Michæl Nikiforovich.

With the deepest respect and true devotion, 
F. Dostoevsky.