Thinking about "The Idiot" again, and about Nastasya choosing to go with Rogozhin as the tragic climax of Part 1. I know in seriousness it's because she feels unworthy and guilty and is embracing indirect self-destruction (and remind me to rant later about how choosing Myshkin in Part 1 is framed like it would be Nastasya's "happy ending" whereas by Part 4 choosing to marry Nastasya is framed as the "unhappy ending" for Myshkin???) But I think we're overlooking This Dynamic as a factor in her decision - Nastasya: *causing mayhem, humiliating the Ivolgins, throwing money in the fire, and laughing hysterically* Myshkin (with tragic, agonized, puppy-dog eyes): Nastasya, you must not carry on like this, it isn't you! I know you're better than this! Rogozhin (with heart eyes): Yeeeees Nastasya, you are literally so hot when you cause mayhem! Queen behavior.


















