Father Zossima's Death In Shifting Ground

Shifting Ground
Book Seven seemed like a critical turning point in the story. Father Zossima’s death and burial are a huge benchmarks in the life of the characters, particularly Alyosha. Zossima has represented all that Alyosha has loved and wanted to emulate up to this point. For Alyosha, Zossima was the rock on which his beliefs stand. At Father Zossima’s burial everyone is expecting a miracle. They believe that Zossima is transforming into a saint who will emit healing powers from his corpse. Instead, however, there is wretched odor pointing to the fact that Zossima may not really be a saint. His body begins to decompose and those around him who loved him “suddenly became terribly frightened of something” (333). This fear causes some to
Alyosha has devoted his life to following Father Zossima, but now because of the decomposition of Zossima’s body Alyosha adulation is annulled. This is a big deal. If Alyosha was wrong about the status of Zossima as a saint, then his entire life is flung into uncertainty. The man that he has tried to be like may not be all that special after all. This shakes Alyosha. Up till now, Alyosha has been the most consistent, solid character in the story. He is loving, selfless, calm, and frank. He is helpful to those in need and reliable in carrying out his responsibilities. When Father Zossima dies the rock on which he stands slips out from under him making him seem a bit lost. Without Zossima’s guiding advice and presences, Alyosha’s stability is shaken. He also begins to doubt the goodness of God, and without the security of a divine purpose, Alyosha’s impetus is stalled, and he fails. He becomes a different sort of person. He is silent, sullen and rude. He commits questionable acts such as visiting a woman with an immoral reputation and begins drinking vodka. The most reliable character in the novel has seemingly failed; the hero of the story has apparently lost