Notes From Underground

Notes from Underground is one of Dostoevsky’s most influential works, often considered the first existential novel. Written in 1864, the novella is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the contradictions of the human condition. It is presented as a memoir of a bitter and isolated retired civil servant living in St. Petersburg, known only as the Underground Man. The narrative is divided into two parts: the first, "Underground," is a monologue in which the protagonist critiques society, rationalism, and his own existence. The second part, "Apropos of the Wet Snow," provides a narrative of his interactions with others, showcasing his self-destructive behaviour and deep-seated alienation.