The Eternal Husband

Book Review

"The Eternal Husband" is one of Fyodor Dostoevsky's lesser-known works, but it deserves attention for its depth and psychological development of characters. Critics note that in this novella, Dostoevsky masterfully explores themes of jealousy, infidelity, and human frailty. The main characters, Pavel Pavlovich Trusotsky and Alexei Ivanovich Velchaninov, are complex and contradictory figures, allowing the author to reveal the nature of human relationships and internal conflicts. Trusotsky, as the "eternal husband," symbolizes the archetype of a person who is constantly in the role of the deceived spouse, evoking both sympathy and condemnation from the reader. Dostoevsky uses this story to show how the past can influence the present, and how feelings of guilt and shame can destroy a person's life. Critics also emphasize that despite the dark themes, the work contains irony and subtle humor, making it more layered and interesting for analysis. Overall, "The Eternal Husband" is regarded as an important part of Dostoevsky's oeuvre, demonstrating his mastery in depicting human psychology and social relationships.