CP: Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky is the greatest book ever written | Jordan Peterson and Lex Fridman

Class Plans
Featured Image

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some engaging questions that connect your everyday life to the subject of The Brothers Karamazov. Please consider the following:

  • Have you ever read a book that had a profound impact on your life or perspective?
  • How do you think literature can influence our understanding of the world and ourselves?
  • What role do you think faith and personal responsibility play in shaping our experiences and the world around us?
  • Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision or take a stand on an issue? How did you approach it?
  • How do you think the themes and ideas presented in The Brothers Karamazov might relate to your own life or current events?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Take a closer look at the featured image associated with this activity. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please consider the following questions:

  • What symbols or motifs do you notice in the image?
  • How do you think the image relates to the themes or ideas presented in The Brothers Karamazov?
  • What predictions can you make about the content of this activity based on the image?

Introduction:

Please read the introduction to The Brothers Karamazov activity. As you read, consider the following questions:

  • What are the main themes or ideas presented in the introduction?
  • How do you think the introduction sets the tone for the rest of the activity?
  • What questions or topics do you hope to explore further in this activity?

Video Engagement:

Watch the video associated with this activity, https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/brothers-karamazov-by-dostoevsky-is-the-greatest-book-ever-written-jordan-peterson-and-lex-fridman/. Pause the video at the following points and consider the questions below:

  • Pause at 5:00 minutes: What are your initial thoughts on the conversation between Jordan Peterson and Lex Fridman? How do you think their discussion relates to the themes of The Brothers Karamazov?
  • Pause at 15:00 minutes: How do you think the concept of childlike naivety relates to the idea of entering the kingdom of heaven? What are your thoughts on this idea?
  • Pause at 25:00 minutes: What do you think is the key difference between Ivan’s and Alyosha’s approaches in The Brothers Karamazov? How do you think this difference impacts the story and its themes?

Vocabulary Focus:

Review the key vocabulary terms associated with this activity. Please consider the following questions:

  • How do you think the term “naivety” relates to the character of Prince Myshkin from The Idiot?
  • What is the difference between a rationalist and an atheist? How do these terms relate to the characters in The Brothers Karamazov?
  • How do you think the concept of intellectual rigor is important in exploring complex ideas and themes?

Grammar Focus:

Review the grammar focus on using the subjunctive mood to express doubt and uncertainty. Please consider the following questions:

  • How do you think the subjunctive mood can be used to add depth and complexity to writing?
  • What are some examples of how the subjunctive mood can be used to express doubt or uncertainty in the context of The Brothers Karamazov?
  • How do you think the use of the subjunctive mood can impact the reader’s understanding of the story and its themes?

Assessment:

Please complete the vocabulary quiz and grammar quiz to assess your understanding of the material. The quizzes can be found below:

Vocabulary Quiz:

  1. Which word means ‘lasting and remaining important over a long period of time’ in the context of The Brothers Karamazov?
    • A) Relatable
    • B) Insipid
    • C) Enduring
    • D) Naive
  2. What literary device does Dostoevsky use to show complex ideas and characters in his works, as opposed to making propositional arguments?
    • A) Symbolism
    • B) Metaphor
    • C) Showing through actions
    • D) Stream-of-consciousness
  3. According to the speaker, what is the key difference between Ivan’s and Alyosha’s approaches in The Brothers Karamazov?
    • A) Ivan is a rationalist, while Alyosha is an atheist
    • B) Ivan presents better arguments, while Alyosha is a better man
    • C) Ivan wins out through better arguments, while Alyosha does so through actions
    • D) Ivan is a philosopher, while Alyosha is a fiction writer
  4. What concept does the speaker suggest is ‘a terrifying yet exciting idea’?
    • A) The idea that individuals create their own world through their actions and experiences
    • B) The concept of childlike naivety and its relation to entering the kingdom of heaven
    • C) The notion that what you deliver is proportionate to what you receive back
    • D) The theme of religious influences in literary works
  5. Which of the following is NOT one of the key takeaways from the idea of the power of faith and action?
    • A) Acting as if something is good can make it better
    • B) Individuals are responsible for their actions and their impact on others
    • C) The world is inherently flawed and cannot be changed
    • D) The idea that what you deliver is proportionate to what you receive back

Answer Key:

  1. C
  2. C
  3. B
  4. C
  5. C

Grammar Quiz:

  1. It is necessary that Jordan Peterson (be, is, was, being) present at the conference to discuss his ideas.
  2. I suggest that the readers (read, reads, reading, to read) The Brothers Karamazov before exploring its themes.
  3. It is possible that the character of Alyosha (be, is, was, being) more influential than Ivan in the novel.
  4. The speaker wishes that the world (be, is, was, being) a better place, where people can live in harmony.
  5. It is crucial that the students (understand, understands, understanding, to understand) the parallel themes in Dostoevsky and Nietzsche’s works to appreciate their significance.

Answer Key:

  1. be
  2. read
  3. be
  4. be
  5. understand