Loneliness and rebellion in Dostoevsky’s existencial philosophy: through the character of Smerdyakov in “The brothers Karamazov”

Resumo

This article focuses on elucidating the psychological developments of Smerdyakov in The Brothers Karamazov—a representative character in a quintessential work of Dostoevsky’s existential philosophy. Smerdyakov’s solitude, yearning, and rebellion as a means of self-assertion profoundly exemplify the “philosophy of mood” within the conflicted social landscape of Russia. The dualistic nature of existence is revealed here: on one hand, resignation to fate; on the other, a reaction striving to overcome it; on one side, submission; on the other, a willful defiance concealed beneath the character’s calculated performances—this is the case with Smerdyakov. The article reconstructs the existential crisis through Smerdyakov’s loneliness and rebellion, thereby highlighting Dostoevsky’s sharp and brilliant literary craftsmanship, as well as his contributions to the existential intellectual current of humanity. This study affirms existential values in Dostoevsky’s philosophy, such as pessimism, feelings of isolation and rejection, rebellion against fate intertwined with messages of freedom and responsibility, the unconscious and the eruption of creativity, choice and faith—values that remain worthy of praise and serve as a lasting source of inspiration. These elements are echoed in the thoughts of many later philosophers, both Russian and Western.