The Margin

Person

Markel

Also known as my brother Markel.

Markel is Father Zossima's elder brother, remembered at the end of Zossima's life. He is hasty, silent, delicate, and briefly influenced by freethinking before his final illness. As he dies, he becomes joyful, tender toward servants and birds, and speaks the words that first plant Zossima's doctrine of responsibility in the world.

VI-II. The Duel

When young Zossima wakes ashamed after striking Afanasy, Markel's words return to him and help turn the duel morning into a moral awakening.

VI-II. The Duel

Markel's teaching becomes the language Zossima shares with the mysterious visitor: each person is responsible to all for all.

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The Margin

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Markel