The Adolescent

The Adolescent, also translated as A Raw Youth or An Accidental Family, is a novel by Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in monthly installments in 1875 in the Russian literary magazine Otechestvennye Zapiski. Originally, Dostoevsky had created the work under the title Discord. The novel was not considered to be a success after its publication in Russia, and it is generally thought to be not on the same level as Dostoevsky's other major novels of the period. However, some modern critics value it highly and consider it to be one of his most underestimated works. Plot Characters Arkady Makarovich Dolgoruky is the protagonist of the novel. He took the name Dolgoruky from his aged adoptive father, even though he is the illegitimate son of the dissipated landowner Versilov. Arkady's dream is to "become a Rothschild" (i.e. become fabulously wealthy like a member of the famed Rothschild family). In his quest for wealth Arkady becomes entangled with socialist conspirators and a young widow, whose future is somehow dependent on a document that Arkady has sewn into his jacket. Makar Ivanovich Dolgoruky is an aging peasant and Arkady's legal father. He is formerly a serf of the Versilov estate. He is a respected wandering religious pilgrim who takes the role of the "holy fool" in Dostoevsky's works. At his death, he professes a love for God and Christianly virtues. Andrei Petrovich Versilov is Arkady's biological father and a dissipated landowner. Scandals swirl around him, including a history with a mentally unstable girl and rumors of being a Catholic. At one point, Versilov and Arkady are competing for the affections of the same young woman. Tatyana Pavlovna, a single older woman, is a friend of the family. She helps them out financially and practically. Anna Andreyevna is a half-sister to Arkady and becomes the fiancée of Prince Nikolay. Katerina Nikolaevna Akhmakova is a young widow and romantic interest of both Versilov and Arkady. A letter sewn to Arkady's jacket could have dire consequences for her future. Liza is Arkady's sister. She became pregnant by Prince Sergay Petrovitch. Prince Sergay Petrovitch is the fiancé of Arkady's sister Liza. He is deeply in debt. Prince Nikolay Ivanovitch is an old man, weak and sensitive. Katerina Nikolaevna is his daughter. Monsieur Touchard was Arkady's old school teacher.