So to book three in my introduction to Russian literature, and what a difference! Where War and Peace and Doctor Zhivago were huge in scale, the vast landscape and different peoples, this was confined to the backstreets of Petersburg, the canals, alleyways and squares. It felt dark and squalid and cramped, but filled with huge characters, coincidences, chance meetings and overheard secrets.
The crime came quickly and was brutal and horrifying in its description. Raskolnikov plots and contemplates the murder almost from the first page. Arrogant and miserable, he condescendingly calculates that an ugly old business women is of no value, that he is above the law and this justifies his actions. So why was I rooting for him in his dramatic escape from the murder scene, and kept rooting for him as the police inspector started to close in?
It can only be because we’re allowed so deeply into his consciousness, even before he commits the crime we see him racked with confusion and disgust
“Could such horror really come into my head? But then, what filth my heart is capable of!. . . Above all, filthy, nasty, vile, vile!
Raskolnikow dreams of greatness, identifies himself with great figures, he’s contemptuous of society and its stupidity and ugliness but this just leads to a sordid crime that he cannot rationalise and so taunts himself bitterly with the shame and remorse that he feels. His capacity for such an evil act is at odds with his feelings for the injustice in the world, so that through his intense anguished emotions we know there is always the possibility of redemption.
What I found surprising with such a tormented soul at its centre was that Crime and Punishment wasn’t a heavy read. There’s a whole mix of social, moral and political commentary told through a cast of huge often theatrical characters. And there’s an undercurrent of humour that runs very close to the surface that works to heighten the drama; although I don’t think it’s ever focused on Raskolnikov, which serves to amplify his story and paranoia. The funeral feast for Marmeladov is overshadowed by the petty snobberies of the guest list and seating plan, and dissolves into farce.
‘I asked her, as a decent women, to invite the better sort of people-namely, my late husband’s acquaintances-and look who she’s brought!Clowns!Sluts!Look at that one with the pimply face: some sort of snot on two legs!’
Even Svidrigailov, a really sleazy piece of work, smarmy and spiteful as he preys on young girls, is treated more contemptuously by giving him lines that make us laugh at him, for example when he’s shot:
‘He stopped and laughed softly:
“The wasp has stung! She aims straight at the head . . . What’s this? Blood?”‘
There were many times when the tone in the writing changed, which didn’t just keep individuals and their story arcs clear but also kept such a long book fresh!
Svidrigailov ends in a closet with faded yellow wallpaper, so small he can hardly fit in, a reflection of Raskolnikovs’ and although he has some bad dreams he also dreams of an English cottage garden and
‘he noticed especially the bouquets of white and tender narcissus, in jars of water on the window sills, bending on long, bright green, fleshy stems, with their heavy, sweet scent.’
There doesn’t seem to be any sense of shame, he’s consumed in his own evil, there’s no ‘movement in his soul’ as Richard Pevear puts it in the introduction, and that’s the big difference between him and Raskolnikov and why only one of them can end with hope.
Great post Jane! Dostoevsky’s certainly a different kettle of fish from Tolstoy, but I would definitely pick the former if I had to choose! I re-read this fairly recently and loved it all over again – such a brilliant book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, although I realise I hardly touched on it! I’m tempted by The Drunkards (is that it?) what would you recommend?
LikeLiked by 1 person
“The Drunkards” was an early title for C&P. There is The Devils, which is long and excellent. If you want something shorter The Double and The Gambler are both excellent. Brothers Karamazov is also brilliant. Really, I love all of his books!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh yes, Brothers Karamazov that’s the one I’ll try!
LikeLike
This book has never really appealed to me in the past, but your reflections make it sound so interesting, full of psychological insight and depth. I guess that’s one of the reasons why it’s considered to be such a classic – truly great writing really does stand the test of time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I put it on my classics challenge list because I thought I just should read it, but actually I enjoyed it more than I thought – it’s very accessible!
LikeLike
I’ve never read Dostoevsky – shameful, I know, but somehow I always struggle with the Russians. You do make it sound good though – I like that there are elements of humour to vary the tone. It’s just possible you might have tempted me… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
There were a lot of times it made me think of Dickens so I think you should give it a go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that IS an incentive… 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had this book on my Classics Club list to read, but I recently removed it due to the length!! Some day maybe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is long, but very readable – one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh really? You must read pretty fast lol I don’t know if I could do it that quickly haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
No I mean one day you’ll get round to reading it – took me months!!
LikeLike
I’ve read this long ago during college years but it’s time to revisit it to get more out of it as an adult. Love your insights into the characters and the writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m very glad I’ve read it and definitely think it’s one I could go back to unlike War and Peace!
LikeLike