The Brothers Karamazov Lesson Plan

Discuss Alyosha's crisis of faith in Book 7.

This section seems like a grand turning point in the novel. Father Zosima represents all that Alyosha loves and aspires to be. He has dedicated his life to following this man, but when Father Zosima’s body decays, it feels as if Alyosha’s adulation has been nullified. The man he has emulated and admired may not be a saint but just another person. If Alyosha has been wrong about Father Zosima’s sainthood, his entire life’s purpose is thrown into question. To this point, Alyosha has been the most steadfast, consistent character in the novel. He is calm and straightforward, helping those who need help and selflessly taking on...