This is such an insightful breakdown of their dynamic. You're serving a Michelin star meal. And yes, I admit though I am yet to read Demons (pls don't come at me fellow Dostovians) but from what you wrote and what I’ve understood Stepan is giving major martyr complex vibes he seems to thrive on self-pity and delusions of grandeur while Varvara feeds into it, but not out of kindness. It’s like she enjoys having him under her thumb, molding him into whatever suits her needs. Their relationship is almost symbiotic, but in a twisted way. And you’re right sometimes opposites clash, but people who are too similar also tend to self-destruct, meeting at the top, pinnacle breaking point, where they burn and combust. Maybe that’s why their dynamic holds for now, but tension is brewing, bound to explode. This is how I broke down what I’ve just read.
Ooh I love reading that! I don't want to comment too much on what you wrote because I'm scared I'll spoil something, but we'll have to get back to this when you've started reading the book. I'm so excited for you to read it and to hear your thoughts! Keep telling me all your theories please.
I was willing to overlook Stepan’s nonsense for the most part, his incessant letter writing was quite comical. Did you happen to notice the only time he mentions his son was while he was in his own suffering, he lacks a paternal instinct as much as lacks talent. He and Varvara truly deserve each other haha.
Great observation about Stepan! I definitely agree with it, he is... not a great dad, exactly. Have you just started the book or are you further in than Chapter 1?
This is such an insightful breakdown of their dynamic. You're serving a Michelin star meal. And yes, I admit though I am yet to read Demons (pls don't come at me fellow Dostovians) but from what you wrote and what I’ve understood Stepan is giving major martyr complex vibes he seems to thrive on self-pity and delusions of grandeur while Varvara feeds into it, but not out of kindness. It’s like she enjoys having him under her thumb, molding him into whatever suits her needs. Their relationship is almost symbiotic, but in a twisted way. And you’re right sometimes opposites clash, but people who are too similar also tend to self-destruct, meeting at the top, pinnacle breaking point, where they burn and combust. Maybe that’s why their dynamic holds for now, but tension is brewing, bound to explode. This is how I broke down what I’ve just read.
Can’t wait for your weekly post.
1 down, 20-ish more to go.
Ooh I love reading that! I don't want to comment too much on what you wrote because I'm scared I'll spoil something, but we'll have to get back to this when you've started reading the book. I'm so excited for you to read it and to hear your thoughts! Keep telling me all your theories please.
I was willing to overlook Stepan’s nonsense for the most part, his incessant letter writing was quite comical. Did you happen to notice the only time he mentions his son was while he was in his own suffering, he lacks a paternal instinct as much as lacks talent. He and Varvara truly deserve each other haha.
Great observation about Stepan! I definitely agree with it, he is... not a great dad, exactly. Have you just started the book or are you further in than Chapter 1?