The Margin

Event

Richard's Execution

Also known as The case of Richard, This is my happiest day, Die, brother, die in the Lord.

Richard's Execution is one of Ivan's examples in his argument with Alyosha about mercy, cruelty, and children. Richard is described as an abandoned child raised almost like an animal, then as a condemned murderer surrounded by religious consolation before the guillotine. Ivan dwells on the contradiction between calling him brother and still cutting off his head.

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The Margin

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Richard's Execution