The Grand Inquisitor

'The Grand Inquisitor' is a section from The Brothers Karamazov, translated by David McDuff. It is perhaps the best known chapter in the entire novel and represents its spiritual centre. As the legend of Christ's return to earth unfolds, Dostoyevsky portrays the struggle of light and darkness within the soul of mankind.<br/><br/>Quote from the book: 'He comes silently and unannounced; yet all -- how strange -- yea, all recognize Him, at once! The population rushes towards Him as if propelled by some irresistible force; it surrounds, throngs, and presses around, it follows Him.... Silently, and with a smile of boundless compassion upon His lips, He crosses the dense crowd, and moves softly on. The Sun of Love burns in His heart, and warm rays of Light, Wisdom and Power beam forth from His eyes, and pour down their waves upon the swarming multitudes of the rabble assembled around, making their hearts vibrate with returning love.'