Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Idiot — Part I/Chapter XIII (1913<!--year of translation-->)

Summary

Portrait of Fyodor Dostoevsky Fyodor Dostoevsky,  The Idiot — Part I/Chapter XIII (1913<!--year of translation-->)

“ And if one lies the whole point of the game is lost," said Gania.
"Oh, but think how delightful to hear how one's friends lie! Besides you needn't be afraid, Gania; everybody knows what your worst action is without the need of any lying on your part. Only think, gentlemen,"—and Ferdishenko here grew quite enthusiastic, "only think with what eyes we shall observe one another tomorrow, after our tales have been told!"
"But surely this is a joke, Nastasia Philipovna?" asked Totski. "You don't really mean us to play this game."
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Fyodor Dostoevsky Fyodor Dostoevsky,  The Idiot — Part I/Chapter XIII (1913<!--year of translation-->)

“ Totski? So—then we are all ready; now prince, draw, please." The prince silently put his hand into the hat, and drew the names. Ferdishenko was first, then Ptitsin, then the general, Totski next, his own fifth, then Gania, and so on; the ladies did not draw.
"Oh, dear! oh, dear!" cried Ferdishenko. "I did so hope the prince would come out first, and then the general. Well, gentlemen, I suppose I must set a good example! What vexes me much is that I am such an insignificant creature that it matters nothing to anybody whether I have done bad actions or not!
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Fyodor Dostoevsky Fyodor Dostoevsky,  The Idiot — Part I/Chapter XIII (1913<!--year of translation-->)

“ We may like it; it's original, at all events!"
"Yes," said Ferdishenko; "it's a good idea—come along—the men begin. Of course no one need tell a story if he prefers to be disobliging. We must draw lots! Throw your slips of paper, gentlemen, into this hat, and the prince shall draw for turns. It's a very simple game; all you have to do is to tell the story of the worst action of your life. It's as simple as anything. I'll prompt anyone who forgets the rules!"
No one liked the idea much. Some smiled, some frowned some objected, but faintly, not wishing to oppose Nastasia's wishes
”
Source: Wikisource

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