Liza

I have no idea why it was more difficult for me to finish these last 30 pages than it was for me to read the past 60; it took me much longer to get through all of it. But nothing in vain, I assure you.

      There is plenty to say about this novella, but I am exhausted so I will only elaborate on one point. I think Dostoyevsky used Liza to represent us, the readers. He met this woman, for no reason but chance, and because she listened to everything he said with no question and the occasional agreement, he was warm, gentle, and provided wisdom, just as we, the reader, will first feel when reading Notes from the Underground. But once we sort of get past this naivety, and judge him ever so slightly (perhaps “ironically”), he flips out, telling us that he was merely mocking us, lying to us, all out of spite and enjoyment. But he did not mean any of it- he was just panicking out of his lack of social compatibility. 

            

    At first I thought he was a jerk, especially for breaching my trust like that. But after I read through his story (albeit warily, still unable to see what was a lie or the truth) and I realized just how emotionally unstable and pitiful he was, I became sad, and a little mad at myself for judging him.

                This is my best guess.