도스토옙스키의 <백치>와 <악령>에 나타난 스위스

Abstract

This article examines the symbolism and function of Switzerland in both The Idiot and The Devils, two of the four major novels by Dostoevsky. Drawing upon Ashimbaeva&apos;s discussion of the topic, I will contrast two aspects of Switzerland: the idealistic Switzerland (The Idiot), replete with its biblical associations, and the Switzerland (The Devils), which represents the political radicalism of contemporary Europe. It is Switzerland where Petr Verkhovensky&apos;s idea about Stavrogin was conceived, along with Stavrogin&apos;s illegitimate son. The tragedy in The Devils can be traced to Switzerland; it was the origin of the catastrophic events. In contrast, the Switzerland of The Idiot serves as the backdrop of Myshkin&apos;s characterization, which offers a highly idiosyncratic biography that spells out his quintessential traits. Taken together, I argue that the primary importance of Switzerland in The Idiot lies in the shaping of the protagonist; whereas the Switzerland of The Devils is not only a hotbed of dangerous ideas but also the space where the seeds of the tragedy are sown on the level of the plot development.