The basic theme of the novel is the struggle between Good and Evil. Critic Edward Wasiolek suggests that Peter (or Pyotr) Verkhovensky is the center of the political aspect of the struggle, while Nikolay Stavrogin is at the core of the "metaphysical" aspect. In both cases, the conflict between the positive and benevolent and the negative and harmful is conducted with the "use" of many other characters. Critic Konstantin Mochulsky, in comparing The Possessed with a dramatic tragedy not only sets forth the "acts" and "scenes," but also reviews the groupings of the characters. The essence of the tragedy, in both aspects, is that human beings have lost faith in God, in Russia, and in themselves.
From the standpoint of the plot, which in this novel is convoluted and dense, the usual Dostoevskyan device, murder.....
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