The Idiot

The Idiot is a novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1868-69. The story focuses on the titular character, a good-natured, destitute aristocrat named Prince Myshkin. The novel has been adapted many times for film, theatre, television, and radio. This guide is written using an eBook version of the 2003 Vintage edition, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.

Plot Summary

Prince Lev Myshkin is a young man from one of Russia's oldest, most aristocratic families. After spending several years in Switzerland to receive treatment for epilepsy, he returns to Russia as a penniless, pitiable figure. He rides the train to Saint Petersburg to visit the Epanchin family, distant relatives whom he hopes will be able to help him. On the train, Myshkin meets Rogozhin, who has recently inherited a fortune, and a young clerk named Lebedev. Rogozhin explains his plan to use his new wealth to seduce a young woman named Nastasya Filippovna.

Myshkin visits the Epanchin home and charms his way into a job with the family patriarch, General Epanchin. He meets Madame Epanchin and their three daughters: Alexandra, Adelaida, and Aglaya. Myshkin rents a room from the General's assistant, Ganya. As the General and Ganya talk, Myshkin overhears Ganya discuss his plans to marry Nastasya Filippovna.