Story of Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky was born on November 11, 1821, in Moscow, Russia. He was the second of seven children in a middle-class family. His father was a doctor and his mother was the daughter of a merchant. Dostoyevsky showed an early interest in literature and began writing stories in his early childhood.

In 1838, Dostoyevsky enrolled in the Main Engineering Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He pursued a career in engineering at the insistence of his father. However, his interest in literature continued and he started attending literary circles and published his first poem in a literary journal.

In 1839, Dostoyevsky's father died, leaving the family in a financial crisis. As a result, he had to leave the engineering academy and take up a job as a translator to support his family. This experience of financial struggle would later influence his writings.

In 1849, Dostoyevsky was arrested and sentenced to death for his involvement in a political group. However, at the last moment, his sentence was commuted to four years of hard labor in Siberia, followed by six years of military service as a private. This period of imprisonment and exile would profoundly impact Dostoyevsky's worldview and themes in his later works.

In 1857, Dostoyevsky married Maria Dmitriyevna Isayeva. They had four children together. Maria was a supportive wife and played an important role in Dostoyevsky's life and career. However, their marriage faced financial difficulties, and Dostoyevsky had to rely on his writing to support his family.

In 1866, Dostoyevsky's novel 'Crime and Punishment' was published. The novel explores the themes of guilt, morality, and redemption through the story of a young man who plans and commits a murder. The novel received critical acclaim and established Dostoyevsky as one of the leading writers of his time.

In 1880, Dostoyevsky's final novel 'The Brothers Karamazov' was published. The novel is considered one of the greatest works of literature and explores complex themes such as religion, ethics, and the nature of evil. Dostoyevsky spent years working on the novel, and its publication marked the culmination of his literary career.

After Dostoyevsky's death, his unfinished works and notebooks were compiled and published as 'The Diary of a Writer.' The collection of essays, articles, and short stories covers a wide range of topics and reflects Dostoyevsky's thoughts on society, politics, and literature. 'The Diary of a Writer' provides valuable insights into Dostoyevsky's worldview and creative process.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's works have had a profound impact on literature and philosophy. His exploration of the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and existential themes continues to resonate with readers and scholars. Many of his novels, including 'Crime and Punishment' and 'The Brothers Karamazov,' are considered masterpieces of world literature. Dostoyevsky's influence can be seen in the works of renowned writers such as Franz Kafka, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky passed away on January 28, 1881, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He died at the age of 59 due to complications from pneumonia. Dostoyevsky's death was a great loss to the literary world, but his works continue to be studied and admired for their psychological depth and profound insights into the human condition.