The Brothers Karamazov Lesson Plan

Discuss the relationship Alyosha has with Fyodor and Zosima.

The men have a parallel relationship regarding Alyosha, though they are quite different. Whereas Father Zossima is most concerned about his disciples and Alyosha as he nears his death, Fyodor talks mostly about himself. Zosima wants to make sure he has spread the word about living with love and understanding to as many people as he can before he passes: Fyodor is only concerned with sleeping with as many wenches as possible.

Alyosha does not try to change Fyodor - he simply listens to him. Alyosha is passive in the way he tries to help everyone around him. He does not change anyone’s behavior. Instead, he...