The Brothers Karamazov

Alexei, or Alyosha, is “an early lover of mankind” (18). Alyosha is a Christlike figure, but in a realistic way. He is frequently described in angelic terms, but this does not mean that he is perfect. He experiences doubt but overcomes his doubts and becomes a spiritual leader by the novel’s end.

Alyosha left school one year before finishing his studies. His motivation in joining the monastery is rooted in his desire to move from spiritual darkness “towards light” (26). As Rakitin describes him, he is “a sensualist after [his] father” and “after [his] mother […] a holy fool” (80). Alyosha’s mother plays a strong role in her son’s development, and he even resembles her, as Fyodor tells Alyosha, “You resemble her, ‘the shrieker’” (22). In the monastery Alyosha meets the elder, Father Zosima, whom he has chosen to follow completely. Alyosha has a unique ability to cause others to love him: His father says that he is the only person he knows who could be left alone in a large city without knowing anyone and be taken care of by someone.

Alyosha presents dualities of innocence and corruption, and he displays a “frantic modesty and chastity” (20).