A study on the Education in Dostoevsky’s Netochka Nezvanova: focusing on comparison with Rousseau’s Emile

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore what the writer Dostoevsky's view of education is by examining the problem of education in Dostoevsky's novel Netochka Nezvanova through the growth process of the main character, Netochka. The education Netochka received can be divided into three stages in her life's journey. First of all, the problem with Efimov's education is that he looked at her Netochka as a means to achieve his own selfish ends, and furthermore, by ignoring Netochka's imaginary world. There was a problem in that it caused a his disingenuous attitude. Second, the problem of Mrs. Leotar's education was that it caused a sense of inferiority by comparing the learners of education with each other. This education eventually had a negative effect on Katya. Finally, Alexandra's education was tailored to Netochka's eye level, and she was able to convey her knowledge while stimulating her interest, curiosity, and imagination. Not only that, but she also gave Netochka the opportunity to self-direct her abilities and reflect on her past by allowing her to tell fully of her own past. She taught Netochka how to reconcile reality and imagination through reading and discussion. The effect of the series of education mentioned above made Netochka to love herself, and further empathize with those who suffer like her own, and to face injustice and evil according to her own convictions. Before learning how to spell and reading books, first learn from what you see and hear, read books afterwards, learn the harmony and balance between imagination and reality, empathize with others, establish your identity as a member of society, and properly form self-love. Dostoevsky shows that true education is through Netochka's growth process.