Date

Mar 25 2021
Expired!

Time

17:30 - 19:00

Book CommUnity – Meditate and Read Session 6: The path of an ideology as seen by Fyodor Dostoevsky in Demons

Synopsis of the Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Demons novel was first published in the journal The Russian Messenger in 1871-1872. It is considered one of the four masterworks written by Dostoyevsky after his return from Siberian exile, along with Crime and Punishment (1866), The Idiot (1869) and The Brothers Karamazov (1880). The Devils is a social and political satire, a psychological drama, and large scale tragedy.

Inspired by the true story of a political murder that horrified Russians in 1869, Fyodor Dostoevsky conceived of Demons as a “novel-pamphlet” in which he would say everything about the plague of materialist ideology that he saw infecting his native land. What emerged was a prophetic and ferociously funny masterpiece of ideology and murder in pre-revolutionary Russia.

Demons is an allegory of the potentially catastrophic consequences of the political and moral nihilism that were becoming prevalent in Russia in the 1860s. A fictional town descends into chaos as it becomes the focal point of an attempted revolution, orchestrated by master conspirator Pyotr Verkhovensky.

About the Book CommUnity – Meditate and read

The Book CommUnity explores the capacity of books to provide insights into societal realities. We will be choosing a series of quality books that address different aspects of creativity, shared values, critical thinking, non-violence and identity to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Intercultural Dialogue Platform. The sessions will start with a short meditation and will be followed by discussions. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting.

We will have an interactive conversation about the essential topics addressed in the book. Discussion will cover:

  • Visionary fiction
  • Materialist ideology
  • Intergenerational conflict
  • Extremism and violence

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

To register: https://forms.gle/yoHCd5ZJRjL5KjYa8