Alyosha, however, did not come to this faith easily. His credibility as a character is equated with his struggles to keep from losing his belief in God's justice. Particularly after Zossima dies, he questions a God who would allow such a holy man as Zossima to be disgraced by a rotting corpse, putrid and repulsive to his mourners. He rejects a justice that dishonors a noble man for no logical reason. Then, after Alyosha begins his questionings, he is tempted away from his monastic vows by eating forbidden food, drinking vodka, and being induced to visit Grushenka, reputedly a sensuous, loose-moraled young woman. After the visit, however, Alyosha discovers the great power of all that Zossima has preached. He feels deep compassion for Grushenka, and because he refuses to condemn her, he restores her belief in herself and in others. And, more important, Alyosha rediscovers his own faith in all its encompassing magnitude.
Adding to Alyosha's credibility is his failure to convince adults of Zossima's message. His role is not that of a perfect, all-successful young missionary. He has his share of failures. His successes, though, are therefore all the more important. In particular, his dealings with young boys are remarkable. He treats them as equals and they respond as equals, and we are led to believe that Alyosha will preach and lecture and that Russia will learn from young Karamazov's wisdom. Thereupon, Dostoevsky seems to be saying, the destiny of the country will be the result of Alyosha's message of faith and love.
