The Grand Inquisitor by Fyodor Dostoevsky
A Parable from The Brothers Karamazov
In a profound and thought-provoking narrative, a cardinal in 16th-century Spain confronts a silent Christ who has returned to Earth during the time of the Inquisition. The cardinal, known as the Grand Inquisitor, argues that humanity cannot handle the freedom Christ offers and instead craves security and order, even at the cost of their spiritual autonomy. Through a monologue, he challenges the ideals of faith, freedom, and human nature, revealing a deep cynicism about the human condition and the institutional power of the Church. The encounter becomes a poignant exploration of the tension between spiritual truth and earthly authority.
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- Published
- 1880
- Nationality
- Russian
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 20-30
- Original Language
- Russian
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.5)
- Alternate Titles
- - El Gran Inquisidor
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