I'm enjoying getting to know Nekhlyudov. He's an evolving character, which are always the most intriguing to give our precious reading time to. My thoughts on your questions:
If you had power inside this system, what would you change first—the laws or the people?
Definitely the people. We have a good set of laws in this country and our Constitution has proven resilient in most areas. The people are the problem, IMO.
Is Dmitri's moral awakening redemptive or self-centered?
I think it's both, but the self-centeredness is focused on him wanting to become a better, more moral person who always chooses to do the right thing, no matter the cost.
Is personal repentance meaningful if systemic harm continues?
It's always meaningful. Unfortunately personal repentance doesn't come wholesale. If we could somehow influence large groups of the most influence the most influential to repent—meaningfully—then we'd get somewhere with changing systemic harm.
Who in this section feels most alive to you? Who feels mechanical?
Nekhlyudov for sure. Katusha seems to "settle" a bit, as though she has given up. (Hope I'm not ahead of where you are, since I finished the audio book.)
Where do you see modern parallels?
Totally in our legislative branch. Modern politicians' egos have changed little since the 1880s—whether in a communist or capitalistic country. People love their power...
Also, is the time zone EST for the March 27 meeting? Thanks Bridget!
I LOVED reading this entire thing this morning. Thank you, Elizabeth. The people are the problem!! We'll meet up at 1pm EST on the 27th. Hope to see you there. 🖤
• If you had power inside this system, what would you change first—the laws or the people?
If I had any power within the “system” I would first change attitudes (which I suppose means people) toward “prisoners” and affected citizens, their families and the community. Without understanding the definition (always open to many different interpretations) of what the laws enacted or enforced mean. and what the people who are enforcing the laws understand with regard to those laws – there will be personal bias and contradiction which unfortunately or maybe fortunately leads to many different outcomes. Thus, madness.
• Is Dmitri's moral awakening redemptive or self-centered? Whether Dmitri’s moral awakening is redemptive or self-centered may not matter. IMO, Dmitri’s personal (self-centered) knowledge of what he witnessed, and his learned knowledge (redemptive) has awakened his conscience to do better to mankind especially the less fortunate.
• Is personal repentance meaningful if systemic harm continues? If one can see the error of their ways and repent and turn from them that is a way to make change. Systemic _____ (fill in the blank) is instigated and perpetuated by punitive government policy. Merriam-Webster. Personal stories shared publicly can change systemic harm.
• Who in this section feels most alive to you? Who feels mechanical? The most alive to me throughout the book is Dmitri Nekhludoff . The dialog bounces back and forth which keeps me in suspense of what is actually going to happen at the “end”. Everyone else seems mechanical perhaps that is the writer's intent.
• Where do you see modern parallels? I see modern parallels throughout this book and actually on almost every page.
I am looking forward to the Misfit Book Club review on March 27th at 1:00 p.m. Until then – read on! Darcie
I'm enjoying getting to know Nekhlyudov. He's an evolving character, which are always the most intriguing to give our precious reading time to. My thoughts on your questions:
If you had power inside this system, what would you change first—the laws or the people?
Definitely the people. We have a good set of laws in this country and our Constitution has proven resilient in most areas. The people are the problem, IMO.
Is Dmitri's moral awakening redemptive or self-centered?
I think it's both, but the self-centeredness is focused on him wanting to become a better, more moral person who always chooses to do the right thing, no matter the cost.
Is personal repentance meaningful if systemic harm continues?
It's always meaningful. Unfortunately personal repentance doesn't come wholesale. If we could somehow influence large groups of the most influence the most influential to repent—meaningfully—then we'd get somewhere with changing systemic harm.
Who in this section feels most alive to you? Who feels mechanical?
Nekhlyudov for sure. Katusha seems to "settle" a bit, as though she has given up. (Hope I'm not ahead of where you are, since I finished the audio book.)
Where do you see modern parallels?
Totally in our legislative branch. Modern politicians' egos have changed little since the 1880s—whether in a communist or capitalistic country. People love their power...
Also, is the time zone EST for the March 27 meeting? Thanks Bridget!
I LOVED reading this entire thing this morning. Thank you, Elizabeth. The people are the problem!! We'll meet up at 1pm EST on the 27th. Hope to see you there. 🖤
• If you had power inside this system, what would you change first—the laws or the people?
If I had any power within the “system” I would first change attitudes (which I suppose means people) toward “prisoners” and affected citizens, their families and the community. Without understanding the definition (always open to many different interpretations) of what the laws enacted or enforced mean. and what the people who are enforcing the laws understand with regard to those laws – there will be personal bias and contradiction which unfortunately or maybe fortunately leads to many different outcomes. Thus, madness.
• Is Dmitri's moral awakening redemptive or self-centered? Whether Dmitri’s moral awakening is redemptive or self-centered may not matter. IMO, Dmitri’s personal (self-centered) knowledge of what he witnessed, and his learned knowledge (redemptive) has awakened his conscience to do better to mankind especially the less fortunate.
• Is personal repentance meaningful if systemic harm continues? If one can see the error of their ways and repent and turn from them that is a way to make change. Systemic _____ (fill in the blank) is instigated and perpetuated by punitive government policy. Merriam-Webster. Personal stories shared publicly can change systemic harm.
• Who in this section feels most alive to you? Who feels mechanical? The most alive to me throughout the book is Dmitri Nekhludoff . The dialog bounces back and forth which keeps me in suspense of what is actually going to happen at the “end”. Everyone else seems mechanical perhaps that is the writer's intent.
• Where do you see modern parallels? I see modern parallels throughout this book and actually on almost every page.
I am looking forward to the Misfit Book Club review on March 27th at 1:00 p.m. Until then – read on! Darcie
"Personal stories shared publicly can change systemic harm." Beautifully said. And this is why I write. :)