The Idiot as a Tragedy of Unforgiveness

Abstract

In characterizing The Idiot as a tragedy of unforgiveness, I am offering a new perspective on Nastasya Filippovna and the choices she faces throughout the novel, many of which hinge on Nastasya’s ability to forgive her wrongdoers or herself or both. Nastasya Filippovna’s future depends on her ability to overcome her self-hatred.

Keywords: The Idiot, unforgiveness, forgiveness