How Dostoevsky Portrays Women in His Novels A Feminist Analysis

This study explores the relationship between public work and influence, and private faith and spiritual development, through the female characters in Dostoevsky's novels; and also the influence of one writer upon another. The intention was, first, to establish whether, in literary terms, women may be viewed as characters in their own right, rather than merely as symbols or consorts for the men; and, secondly, whether, from a feminist theological perspective, Dostoevsky takes seriously the experience of women in terms of their relationships and work, Christian faith and spiritual development, and conflict with personal and institutional evil. --Publisher description.