Who Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov is
Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov is a landowner in a provincial Russian town who makes his money through cunning. He treats his wives and children carelessly, leaving his sons to grow up with relatives and servants. His foolish behavior hides a hunger for attention and a self-disgust that makes him behave worse.
What Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov wants
Fyodor follows his appetites, and his pursuit of Grushenka brings him into rivalry with his eldest son, Dmitri. He hopes to attract her with gifts and promises, keeping money ready to tempt her.
Money also divides them because Dmitri believes his father has cheated him of his mother's inheritance. Fyodor insists that he has already paid Dmitri more than he owes.
Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and the others in the story
His sons carry the hurt of his neglect, but each responds to the family differently. Dmitri confronts him passionately, Ivan keeps his distance, and Alyosha lives under Father Zosima's guidance.
When the family meets at the monastery, Fyodor turns their attempt at settling the dispute into a scene of embarrassment. Zosima listens to his jokes and insults, then urges him to stop lying to himself.
Questions
Who is Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov?
He is the father of Dmitri, Ivan and Alyosha, a greedy landowner whose behavior deepens the family's resentments.
Why does Fyodor quarrel with Dmitri?
They dispute Dmitri's inheritance and both pursue Grushenka. Their rivalry joins an old financial grievance to jealousy.
Is Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov Smerdyakov's father?
He is rumored to be Smerdyakov's father. Smerdyakov works as a servant in his household.
