Demons (The Possessed)

Demons, also known as The Possessed, is a political novel that reflects the turmoil of Russian society in the 19th century. It follows a group of radical youths, led by the charismatic but manipulative Nikolai Stavrogin. The story explores the rise of nihilism and the consequences of revolutionary ideals.

The narrative intertwines various characters, including Dmitri Gaganov, who harbors a personal vendetta against Stavrogin, and Kirillov, a philosopher who believes in the right to commit suicide as a form of liberation. As tensions rise, the group becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that leads to violence and chaos.

Through the characters' struggles and the unfolding events, Dostoevsky critiques the dangers of ideological extremism and explores themes of morality, power, and the disintegration of traditional values. The novel culminates in a tragic denouement that reflects the moral and spiritual crises of the time.