Every example of storytelling, at its root, stems from themes and ideas presented by classic literature. While every show and movie may not be modern adaptations from classic literature, the literature inspires them. Fyodor Dostoevsky is no stranger to his ideas being reimagined in the present world. Many of his themes involve human manipulation, class divide, morality, and religion. His work might have occasionally faced scrutiny, but his words transcend time.<\/p>\n
In his book The Poetics of Dostoevsky, <\/em>Leonid Grossman said Dostoevsky wanted \u201cto fuse\u2026the sublime with the grotesque, and push images and phenomena of everyday reality to the limits of the fantastic\u201d (61-2). Rob McElhenney\u2019s show It\u2019s Always Sunny in Philadelphia<\/em> does just that with its egotistical, sociopathic characters. Each episode takes a relevant subject, whether it is about a dating app or a high school reunion, and the characters make those realities into over-the-top scenarios no one ever considers.<\/p>\n Ideas analyzed in Dostoevsky novels are even visited in comedy. Once its fifteenth season airs, It\u2019s Always Sunny in Philadelphia <\/em>will be the longest running live action comedy series. How can a comedic television show relate to Dostoevsky writing? There are more parallels than one may think. Paddy\u2019s Pub houses malicious and amoral characters that frequently partake in ideas Dostoevsky dissected. Calling the anti-sitcom a modern adaptation from classic literature would be a stretch, but it surely is similar.<\/p>\n Dostoevsky\u2019s Notes from the Underground <\/em>examines revenge. The Underground Man possesses an unconventional approach to it. Most people see revenge as a means to justice, but the Underground Man seeks spiteful vengeance. He desires pain on the people who did him wrong. No solution is justifiable, rather he must inflict nuisance and\/or pain on someone to achieve vengeance.<\/p>\n Arguably the most mysterious character in It\u2019s Always Sunny in Philadelphia <\/em>is Dennis Reynolds. An analysis on his character would warrant an entire post, but for now, comparisons to Dostoevsky will suffice. One could argue that Dennis\u2019s characteristics are modern adaptations from classic literature. His temper consumes him countless times, and he often acts upon that rage. Copious hints plague the series that Dennis is a serial killer, but oftentimes his murderous traits surface when he seeks revenge.<\/p>\n In \u201cThe High School Reunion,\u201d the Gang excitedly attends their high school reunion believing they were at the top years ago. Specifically, Dennis claims to be the most popular student. When several alumni confirm he was a psycho and dork, Dennis derails. He rushes to his car trunk and obtains duct tape and zip ties, implying he will torture his fellow alumni. His reaction is clearly out of spite rather than calculated justice. Similar to the Underground Man, when the Gang decides to use an impressive dance routine to get revenge, they actually do an awful job, and the alumni find them more pathetic than before. In Notes from the Underground<\/em>, the Underground Man confronts a police officer, but the officer does not even notice him. Both instances display spiteful vengeance that does not amount to any gain.<\/p>\n *Following clips throughout blog contain some strong language*<\/p>\nRevenge<\/h2>\n