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. 🖤
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. 🖤