Literature Circle Blog Post 2

We've wrapped up our first book already so today I will be posting on our second book: "Notes from the Underground"

Part 1: http://bigdr00.blogspot.com/2007/12/literature-circle-resonse-1.html

Part 2:

a) Observations

What strikes me about the book is that it does not neccessarily follow the normal 'novel format' because the first part of the book occurs mainly in the 'underground man's' head. There isn't neccessarily a 'story' being told in part one, more just a series of commentaries made by him about his opinions and viewpoints of himself and the world as he sees it.

Developing themes:
*Justice
*Revenge
*Madness
*Perception and self respect

b) Ouestions

Interpretive question: What is the difference between revenge and justice and how do they relate to "Notes frome the Underground"?

(So far) my opinion would be:

Justice: What is considered 'just'. However this is often hard to determine as having a personal connection to the situation autimatically makes you biased and your punishing actions may be more done out of spite, personal opinion, or emotional fulfillment.

Revenge: Personally implicating punishment or consequences for actions that were done against you or relate to you.

c) Quotes

A quote from NFTU that is relevant to the question above occurs on page 12:

"I said that a man revenges himself because he sees justice in it. Therefore he has found a primary cause, that is, justice. And so he is at rest on all sides, and consequently he carries out his revenge calmly and successfully, being persuaded that he is doing a just and honest thing. But I see no justice in it, I find no sort of virtue in it, and consequently if I attempt to revenge myself, it is only out of spite."