The Eternal Husband

Summary

The novel "The Eternal Husband" by Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of the complex relationship between two men—Pavel Pavlovich Trusotsky and Alexei Ivanovich Velchaninov. Velchaninov, a successful lawyer in St. Petersburg, unexpectedly encounters Trusotsky, the husband of his former lover, Natalya Vasilyevna. Trusotsky, having discovered his wife's infidelity, approaches Velchaninov to uncover the truth and possibly seek revenge. During their encounters, it is revealed that Trusotsky's daughter, Liza, is actually Velchaninov's child. Despite his weakness and dependency on women, Trusotsky tries to maintain his dignity and find meaning in life after his wife's death. Velchaninov, in turn, feels guilt and attempts to help Trusotsky and Liza. The novel explores themes of jealousy, infidelity, guilt, and redemption, as well as the intricate psychological portraits of the characters, their internal conflicts, and their struggles with personal demons.