Genre
A novel
Setting and Context
The action takes place in Saint Petersburg, the second part of the 19th century
Narrator and Point of View
It is third-person narration.
Tone and Mood
As most of Dostoevsky’s novels, The Idiot is narrated in both intellectual and ironic tones.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The protagonist is prince Lev Mikovaevich Myshkin, while the antagonist is Parfen Rogozhin.
Major Conflict
The main conflict stands in acceptability in society. The author portrays a picture of his contemporary which, due to long ago established prejudices, is unable to accept happiness.
Climax
The climax comes in the very end of the novel, when Rogozhin kills Nastasya Filipovna.
Foreshadowing
When Myshkin is introduced into the house of the Epanchins, his behavior with Aglaya foreshadows that their relationships will develop differently than with the other sisters.
Understatement
Prince Myshkin’s feelings towards Aglaya are understated, though he feels warmth to her he stays unable to agree that it is love
Allusions
The story alludes to Russian poets like Pushkin and Lermontov; some historical events are referenced as well.
Imagery
The images of everyday life and of the characters of the novel are given.
Paradox
The paradox is that, despite of being such a sincere person, Prince Myshkin is unhappy.
Parallelism
Prince Myshkin’s love stories with Aglaya and Nastasya Filipovna are developed in parallel.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
“Several voices were talking and shouting at once” (“voices” is metonymy for people)
Personification
“Silence immediately fell on the room”
