VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND[*]
A NOVEL
* The author of the diary and the diary itself are, of course,
imaginary. Nevertheless it is clear that such persons as the writer of
these notes not only may, but positively must, exist in our society,
when we consider the circumstances in the midst of which our society is
formed. I have tried to expose to the view of the public more
distinctly than is commonly done, one of the characters of the recent
past. He is one of the representatives of a generation still living. In
this fragment, entitled “Underground,” this person introduces himself
and his views, and, as it were, tries to explain the causes owing to
which he has made his appearance and was bound to make his appearance
in our midst. In the second fragment there are added the actual notes
of this person concerning certain events in his life.—AUTHOR’S NOTE.
PART I
Underground