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What are readers saying about Crime and Punishment?
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-16 03:01:12.
(Language: English)
   
i have mixed feelings about this book. i would say it is a love/hate relationship, more emphasis on the hate. it discusses some topics very well and in a down to earth kind of way, but takes sooo long to get there. i found that, at times, i wanted to slap the main character about half of the time; he's an overall good guy and cares about people but also a huge jerk. Crime and Punishment bears the mark of a book released episodically, a few chapeters at a time. The chapeters build in suspense and then stop abruptly only to begin agin right on the very next page. read the abridged version if you can, unabridged is just more and more unnecessary detail that does not add much to the story. i was enjoying the plot by the end of the story, but the journey to get there was not worth it in my opinion.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-24 01:16:49.
(Language: English)
Okay, I found it compelling reading but in the end, wished it were less a morality tale than a novel I could lose myself in. It ends with the hope of redemption, and I tend to like tales like that, but Raskolnikov's awakening seemed contrived, to me, as did a couple of other turns of events. I understand that this was in the service of the message and also the structure of the book, but the characters are caricaturish and consequently never had me convinced. I have mixed feelings about the book, but that is strictly a matter of personal taste in novels, not of its greatness, and anyway, who am I to give Dostoevsky less than 5 stars? :) Definitely glad I read it, though. It gave me a feel for the St. Petersburg of that era, and will give me an excuse to learn more about the strains of thought of the day that Dostoevsky opposed.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-03 02:33:40.
(Language: English)
Some of the chapters are really boring. This book is not entirely my type, but it was interesting to see how an intellectual came to commit this crime due to some delirious condition of his mind. Bipolar disorder. Interesting portrayl. The crime was a result of a theory he conceived about the nature of man’s abilities; that is, some have abilities which make them extraordinary while other possess no abilities. It was this intellectual aspect of his character that causes him to conceive and execute his crime. He wants to see if he had the daring to transcend conscience. His punishment comes about as a result of the transcendence of conscience. I guess the punishment for crimes commited by insane individuals are to be assessed differently. This is a book I give 3. Roskolnikov never really came to understand that, the society cannot function in utopia. The society of ours is a blend of good and evil and a theory to police around the evil for a complete transformation of the world esp.. by putting beings in categories of superiority is just ludacris. I think a reader needs to understand that this is an error in an intellectual mind. Transgressing moral authority and unbounded human compassion. Overall however, the psychoanalysis of a delirious mind was well portrayed by Dostoyevsky.
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Arthur posted a review at 2010-02-12 04:48:00.
(Language: English)
You can't argue with Russian pathos! I have to admit, the epilogue really is crap. Once we know that Raskolnikov is headed to Siberia for his double murder, is there really much more to tell? His dual personality is on the way to being resolved and he seems to have settled into a passionate, if somewhat kinky, relationship with Sonia. Still, its nice to hear encouraging things like best friends and sisters getting married and proclamations of undying love. However, the epilogue takes away the risk of the story's central resolution. And for that, minus half a star. Yes, I just deducted points from Dostoevsky for pandering. Point being: it's a classic that has all the strength it ever did to inspire and challenge; a complex tale that doesn't need it's low brow epilogue to tie it all up neat and pretty with a bow.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-15 12:04:14.
(Language: English)
It was alright, but I don't quite get the "classic" nature of this novel. While the work was less intimidating than I expected, I still finished it with the feeling that I must have obviously missed something. This tale of a misanthropic self-declared Ubermensch who murders an old woman simply because he can did not seem like a great work of literature to me. It seemed meandering, repetitive, and focused on a person I found entirely unsympathetc. The protagonist's eventually confession and redemption seem phony and hollow - as if they came because the author was running out of time to finish his work, rather than because the story organically brought him there. Granted, I read it in bits over the course of months rather than in the course of a week or so, so perhaps I had problems keeping everything together. The fact that I was drunk a good bit of the time I was reading probably didn't help. There were some parts I enjoyed - particularly the charicature of the utopian socialist that still holds true a century and a half later, but overall it seemed like a book that's considered a clasic because everyone considers it a classic. x
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-25 02:28:16.
(Language: English)
Hard to get through, but worth the effort, if anything for the psychological insight into the concept of guilt, paranoia, nihilism, and self-awareness. Raskolnikov kills because he is out to prove a point: that he is a Superman, above the laws of mere man, like Napoleon or any man who could break a rule as if it were a pencil. Ultimately, he believed that he could take the life of another with no haunting aftermath, no remorse nor regret. But, alas, he is no Superman, as the latter half of the novel is based on his self-loathing, nihilism, misanthropy, extreme paranoia, choking guilt, sleepless nights, delirium, and worrying himself into madness. I think he is not alone in wondering what it would feel like, psychologically, to kill another human being. But overall, I think the novel shows us that even when we fail to get caught right away for our evils, we often are the punishers of ourselves- to the point of obsessive madness and mass paranoia.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-17 12:07:28.
(Language: English)
Again, the Vintage classics English translation is best. It wasn't as profound for me as Brothers Karamazov, but at the same time it contained an idea that I will never forget as long as I live, one I know influenced Nietszche, not that I care about him, but the idea of the Elite, or Higher man, who lives beyond and above the moral order, being Great, and therefore not to be hindered by the petty order that controls the masses....having said that, the book upturns this concept by seeing the collapse of that 'Great Man' in the narrative, although the ending is ambiguous in this regard, and there is an implication of an ongoing Awareness on the part of Rashkalnikov that does make him singular, and whereby he remains set apart...Its a difficult book, I found it harder going than Brother's K, and there was the enormity of its reputation to consider, but in the end I prefer Brother's K, though I intend rereading both in the near future, because I think that Dostoevsky is the kind of author you don't merely read, you study and absorb. Still, in moments a book that simply soars into intellectual and emotional realms that you don't easily find in literature. A symphony, I would say. Highly recommended.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-02-14 03:28:52.
(Language: English)
I could only manage this book in little increments. Every chapter is saturated with enormous revelations...but then again, it is better to read quickly because otherwise you remained trapped in the character's head for too long. Staying in head of the obstinate and denying character is tough. But, what a wonderful character study. I know that it is book of many things, but I read it like a character study. I don't think I have ever read another book that revealed the character's thoughts in such a way. Also, I always love a book with many monologues. This is an awfully weak review for such a brilliant book, but I feel a little foolish going on about its merits when they have already been said. It affected me personally because I read it when I was...in similar thought pattern as Raskolnikov, and if I hadn't gotten out of it temporarily, I would have never understand its ending. I know I will read this book over and over again.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-30 12:09:01.
(Language: English)
whether or not "Crime and Punishment" is a summer assignment, it's a great book into the lugubrious workings of the human mind gone psycho. It is long and hard to understand! Don't let this keep you from reading the book, for a thorough understanding, read it slowly so you understand the words, and again, as for most literature, have a dictionary handy while you learn new words! (Exasperated, Surreptitious, insinuated and vanity are used numerous times, i.e.) Really, this book does a great job of combining novel and psychology of criminals. Seriously, you can relate to the main character, Raskolnikov, in mind and body. You 've felt like him before, I know it. The book has a dark atmosphere and is very melancholy, so if you're looking for a jolly, jubilant ambiance, turn away from this book! It's saturated with long sentences, complex wording, and is aimed towards the college level reading. There are many research topics that you can do with this book. 6/10.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-29 01:08:55.
(Language: English)
Despite my disagreements with the overall philosophical message, this book exemplifies good literature. Raskolnikov is brilliantly portrayed; it's almost as if Dostoyevsky is delving into the reader's mind. Whether anyone admits it or not, the unspeakable thoughts swirling around in Raskolnikov can be found in the hearts and minds of readers and Dostoyevsky manages to take advantage of that time and time again. I've heard some say that the characters are somewhat simple. They're archetypes or avatars of certain ideas to be sure. However, they're portrayed beautifully in such a way as to avoid oversimplification. The one criticism I will make though is this: The ending does not do the rest of the work any justice. Rodion's redemption does not come at a proper price. Sonya's help, while sublime in many places, blocks Rodion from fully developing on his own and learning to accept his fate without goading or inspiration. Perfect in almost every other aspect however.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-14 12:05:01.
(Language: English)
I was inspired to read this after watching old Columbo episodes on TV, if that makes any sense. Interestingly, it looks like the Columbo format of showing a murder at the beginning of the program, is modeled on the way the story is told in C and P. I read this in high school, and when I approached it this time around I thought I might have a reaction along the lines of "How could anyone in high school actually understand such a dense and complex book?" But in fact, I can see how it's quite readable for a high school student. The book covers a lot of ground and appeals to multiple story-telling interests: it's a detective story, a human morality (or amorality) study, a story of the "soul of man", the occasional critique of various social/political movements (still relevant to our times!), a penetrating piece of psychological fiction...and on and on.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-16 08:45:06.
(Language: English)
I didn't hate it. It wasn't a difficult read, but as a novel also it did not grab me to sit and read it for hours on end, so it seemed to take longer to read than most of my books. I wasn't really looking though for a wonderfully told story though, more of a brain exercise so I got what I wanted. But seriously I get it, your brain goes a little off when you kill someone, especially when you feel no remorse for the action when society tells you that you should. The ending was trite though, the sociopath finding redemption in love with the girl who convinces him to turn himself in and then follows him to Siberia like some stupid puppy during his prison sentance. gag. I don't know why that always has to be a redemption go to; love.
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Bruce posted a review at 2009-08-01 06:09:15.
(Language: English)
Crime and Punishment is a didactic novel which superbly dramatizes Doestoevsky's view of sin, guilt and punishment. I decided to reread it because I was intrigued by a quote read recently of a statement by one of the characters I'd forgotten about (I read it over 25 years ago), Svidrigailov. He's speaking of the wages of sin, noting that, " . . . and one is always sad all the time!" This struck me as very insightful, and ultimately hopeful, because it shows sin's true nature. The temptation to do wrong always makes sin appear exciting and empowering, but that's an illusion. Svidrigailov's tragedy is that he's become completely enthralled by this illusion -- and knows it. 7/28/09 -- I finished Crime and Punishment, and am now eager to continue with The Idiot. As noted above, I read with a particular focus on Svidrigailov. Ayn Rand wrote, in The Romantic Manifesto, that reading Dostoevsky was like touring a chamber of horrors, but with a strong guide. Svidrigailov himself is a strong guide to his own evil and depravity, and reveals fascinating insight into the mystery of iniquity. I hardly remembered him from my first reading, and this time he overshadowed everyone else!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-09 01:07:29.
(Language: English)
Crime and Punishment is the first book by Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky which i have read (as i imagine it would be to most people), and i must say that i was very impressed. The novel's premise is set out from the off really, the destitute protagonist Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is forced to sell any items of value to Alyona Ivanovna. Early on in the novel he decides that he is to kill the old lady, but not just the money something more. The story which follows is based around Raskonikov's struggle with his own mind, his feeling of guilt and his struggled to maintain his own innocence. It must be said that this is a novel where there isn't a great deal happening. Most of what is happening is inside Raskonikov's head, which i found greatly interesting. The way in which Dostoevsky has planned out the thought processes of a main who is consumed by the heavy burden and brought it too the page is pure brilliance and is gripping through and through. All of the characters which enhabit Dostoevsky's St Petersberg are all full of their own idiosyncrasies which become unmistakeable when you get to know them. This fullness of character leads to some page turning dialogue which no matter how mudane the subject matter may is throughly compelling. Crime and punishment is however a fairly heavy read at times, it took me much longer to finish this book than many others. This is most probally due to time in which it was written and the fact it has been translated from Russian. 4 Stars
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Asif posted a review at 2010-07-03 06:22:41.
(Language: English)
A book written by Fyoder Dostoevosky probably in 1864 portraying Russia in the second half of 19th Century. Spanning from intrigue, brutal murder and self search to a psychological war that lasted with Punishment. Crime in all its form and with all its motives irrespective of criminal's innocence or underlying necessity has always been an object of apprehension. Criminals deserve punishment, irrespective of their intellectual achievements and capacity, irrespective of their power and position and irrespective of their hunger, poverty or betrayal from social circle. But is capital offense like murder, for monetary gains, is justified for whatever the circumstances a person is exposed to? Is punishing someone justified as retaliation to injustices and inequality of whole society? Are some of the human beings are innate leaders with special right to govern the social order through force and power? Is bloodshed a certification to power and control? Can misery, poverty and disorientation in society can only be removed through stabbing the powerful to death? Murder for whatever reason committed leave an impression of brutality, social disorder and dogmatic mentality. I was forced to think lot of similar questions; some of them I worked out for my own benefit while most of them remain unanswered. What is the mentality of first time murderer? How does he react post facto? How afraid he becomes? And how disruptive his personality turns out to be? are some questions well answered in this text. However, I am still thinking what disturbed the murderer to an extent that he surrendered himself? Was it the fear of punishment or a feeling that execution failed to comply with the plan? Was it the first murder, which was thought out, planned and justified to executor, that disturbed him or the one that was consequential, reactionary and unplanned? What if he would have escaped from suspicion? Would he have considered himself from the elite class bestowed with an ability to kill inferior human for the sake of society? Would he have continued executing others as well for greater benefit? How can a human be classified as an inferior being or a superior one? Why not history did punish those who executed the mankind for lust of power, geography and kingdom? Were they special? Are some of the human really special to execute their desires at any length? Rodion Romanovitch Raskalnikov, central character of Crime and Punishment, a law student, would-be writer, enthusiastic, career oriented, theorist, perceived revolutionist, soft hearted helping individual and a Murderer. Does it all fit together? It had! A conflict between good and bad, positive virtues and evil deeds, inconsistent, incomprehensible and inevitable war between two sides of human mind and heart resulted in a victory of a Murderer over a human. But that victory did not last long, albeit it ended the next moment when blood sprawled over old lady’s head. Just after the brutal stabbing of an old lady to death; good prevailed over bad but unfortunately the damage was done; it went worst when an unanticipated moment occur and Lizaveta (old lady's sister) emerged from nowhere to surrender her life to brutality. Atlast, intellectual realized that he was not one of 'them' and this only thought pushed him to surrender. He suffered from moral and spiritual punishment but that did not suffice the coldness of his crime. He wandered here and there, thought of suicide, helped people, fell drastically ill, was considered mad and was delirious most of the time only thinking of his misdeed and consequences, fighting with his soul to accept but his heart and soul were not ready to accept the reasons argued by his mind. Finally, he surrendered and was sent to Siberia to serve Seven years of Sentence. Sonia followed her and they might have lived happily afterwards. Novel ended but left me in delirium, with some new insights and some new questions to explore. Some new quotes to use in my conversation and few new philosophies to discuss and ponder over. I read it for the first time and would like to read it again probably after few years when I would be able to understand deeply what I did not get know. A single reading is recommended for Serious readers.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-16 12:52:42.
(Language: English)
At the time Crime and Punishment was published (1866), Russia was rapidly approaching a moral and cultural precipice. Dostoyevsky portrays this condition in the society of St. Petersburg and embodies it in the protagonist, Raskolnikov. Through the process of crime to punishment, redemption is found. It is not found in intellectual elitist theories, i.e. existentialism, but in faith, humanity, and expiation. At the end of the novel, Raskolnkov has a dream about a nihilistic plague. I...more At the time Crime and Punishment was published (1866), Russia was rapidly approaching a moral and cultural precipice. Dostoyevsky portrays this condition in the society of St. Petersburg and embodies it in the protagonist, Raskolnikov. Through the process of crime to punishment, redemption is found. It is not found in intellectual elitist theories, i.e. existentialism, but in faith, humanity, and expiation. At the end of the novel, Raskolnkov has a dream about a nihilistic plague. Interestingly, this plague was prophetic of Russia's future. It stemmed not in physical disease, but in a state of depravity derived from ideas that devalued life. Could our society be following this same fatal path? Dostoyevsky's brilliance does not reside in his literary style, but in his ability to channel psychological nuance. The transformation that transpires in the novel parallels that of the personal life of the author. While a prisoner in Siberia, the only book afforded to Dostoyevsky, the New Testament, seems to have changed his life.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-03 01:38:28.
(Language: English)
"Through error you come to the truth! I am a man because I err! You never reach any truth without making fourteen mistakes and very likely a hundred and fourteen. And a fine thing, too, in it's way; but we can't even make mistake on our account! Talk nonsense, but talk your own nonsense, and I'll kiss you for it. To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's. In the first case you are a man, in the second you're no more than a bird. Truth won't escape you, but life can be cramped. There have been an example, and what are we doing now? In science, development, thought, invention, ideas, aims, liberalism, judgement, experience, and everything, everything, everything, we are still in the preparatory class at school. We prefer to live on other people's ideas; it's what we are used to!" Undoubtedly, Crime and Punishment not only is Dostoevsky masterpiece but also it is one of the most important books in literature history. It is an artistic mixture of fiction, philosophy and psychoanalysis, and it is not possible for you to look at a culprit, a murderer, or a prostitute with contempt as maybe we ourselves are dirtier than them, and no one will be sure about what will be happened in the future. So try not to through stones on them or at list try not to be the first one, this is Crime and Punishment.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-09 08:50:46.
(Language: English)
‘Crime and Punishment’, a novel written by famous Russian author ‘Fodor Dostoyevski’, is a tale of a man ‘Raskalnikov’, who due to his financial problems and after a spurt of negative thoughts spawning in his mind murders his money lender ‘Alena Ivanova’ and ‘Liza’ who lived in Ivanova’s house. The main theme of the novel is marked by the consequences, both psychological and physical, faced by Raskolnikov because of the murder. There are quite a few characters in the novel all carrying Russian names because of which I got perplexed in the names of them at some points in the novel. The major characters besides Raskolnikov – the protagonist are Razomikhin – Roskolnikov’s friend who offers him financial help before the murder but Raskolnikov refuses it, Sonia – the only character in the novel with whom Raskalnikov is able to build a relationship. Despite the fact that the novel was translated into the English, the language aspect was not compromised and I had a good time reading the novel. While reading the book, I could also find some Russian dialogues which I was unable to interpret. The sentences were of moderate length and the words were also not so difficult to comprehend. I found the novel very interesting to read as it was a unique novel in which the protagonist is carrying negative shades. The soliloquy of the protagonist at some places was absolutely mesmerizing. The feelings of the protagonist are carried forward by the author in such a manner that one is bound to sympathize with him despite of his being a criminal. The dilemma in which Rakolnikov remains after committing the murder was the highlight of the novel. I woud like to recommend this novel to everyone as it is a different story told from a different and unique point of view.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-24 05:41:18.
(Language: English)
This story has the most gut renching conclussion of anything I have ever read. I'm not a psych student but I can appreciate the complexity of the human mind after this. This is a great dipiction of that period in Russia's history not your extravagant rich tolstoy and all the dinning and balls. This show's you average people struggling, especially those as clever as Raskolinikov. Intilligence is not just for the wealthy. Vrazumihin shows that in poverty there is beauty and nobility whilst Sonia, poor Sonia, She shows a helplessness, an honesty that, transcends the shame of her actual occupation. What is fairer or nobler than a damsel in eternal distress.The constant argument over religion and the shackles it cast over its followers, is a key theme that Dostoyevsky and Tolsoy converge upon and arrive at inconclusive conclussions. Whilst their styles could not be more divergent they in some respect reflect night and day. My favorite theme however is the dark theme of the devine right of the few moral flexibility. "You are not guilty of crime if you believe it isn't a crime" That took guts to say. I admire Fyodor.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-05-12 02:12:44.
(Language: English)
crime and punishment,, what to expect and what to find ,, you can't ignore the book's history and place between the classics when you first start reading it ,, and such thing had a great impact on the way i comprehended the book,, the book was especially interesting to me because the ideas discussed was so deep and mind turning that it most certainly changed my way of thinking ,, so to me it was educational more than entertaining or literary,, not that i didn't enjoy it ,, but may be that could be contributed to the fact that this is the first time i read a book with such depth,, so i was wondering all the time about the point he was trying to make,,Raskolinkoff was so human-like that you can feel yourself in him ,, and it was so easy to connect with him in a personal level ,, which added to my excitement while reading it,, for me the main idea ,, ( the great thing about the book that every one can relate to it in a different way ,, which i consider brilliant) ,, the idea of living ,, life .. is it worth living any way? or a cause or a calling is a necessity,, and how could we know if it is worth pursuing,, when to stop,, what make it justified,, does faith really matter ,, what difference could it make?the ending was rather unexpected ,,not disappointing,, i personally connected with the main character in a way that such an ending wasn't an option ,,
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-16 12:24:58.
(Language: English)
I read this bookabout a year back.I loved it.It took about 4 days to finish this book.I read this book because my friend pestered me to read this book.She said i would enjoy it.And she was right!!!!!! I was initially prejudiced about this book(because it was Russian).I thought the essence of the book would be lost when it was translated.I was right.I still feel i could have enjoyed the book more if i knew Russian.But still it left a deep impression with me. Raskolikov is a college student who doesn’t have enough money to support his family or his education.He is in debt to an old miserly woman.To free himself he hatches a plot to kill the old woman.But unwittingly he kills the old woman’s sister too(a very kind woman). Now Raskolikov is stung by his conscience. The whole book deals with how he deals with his conscience and how he tries to free himself of the guilt. This book offers a good insight about the human conscience and psychology.The only thing i regret about the book is that its translated.So it does not help us understand the author’s style properly.But i am simply amazed as to how the Russians can put emotions into words so simply.I mean the human mind is unravelled so easily.But as i have not read any other Russian authors apart from Tolstoy and Ayn Rand(whose books are thankfully not translated) ,i don’t think i am qualified for critizing Russian authors. Anyway this book is a must read for any one who loves good literature.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-04-20 07:22:57.
(Language: English)
In religious/spiritual people, God and faith drive the conscience, but what is it that governs the conscience of an atheist? In Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky examines such a case. A young intellectual with a lot of potential, Raskalnikov, commits murder for his own advancement. He gets away with it, but falls into a feverish delirium for most of the time afterwards. He befriends Sonya, who serves as his spiritual guide in the story. Ironically, he would only be figured out by someone who listened to his confession to her. Even after the biggest obstacle to his freedom is removed, he still confesses in the end. Another concept that Dostoyevsky presents through his main character is the character's belief in 2 intellectually distinct races of men, one superior, one regular. It is not only a right but a duty for the extraordinary to commit acts of criminality to advance humanity.This may have been a novel concept back in 1865, but not after 8 years of Bush.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-19 11:43:43.
(Language: English)
If I had to pick a favourite novel, it would undoubtedly be this one. It's one of the few books I've chosen to read twice, something I rarely do when I've got a bookshelf full of 'to-reads'. Both times I got something new out of it, and I think it has changed my world view forever. The first time it made me consider and re-evaluate my religious views. Whilst still an Atheist I feel it gave me a deeper respect for faith and it's role in society. It was particularly the speech Raskalnikov gave Sonia, questioning her on the use of religion in such dire circumstances as hers. I can't remember the exact reply but the words that always spring to mind are 'Its all I've got'. The second time I read it I realized it wasn't expressed so forcibly as I imagined, perhaps demonstrating the effect it had on me when I first read it. I think it just showed me my arrogance in presuming religion almost an idle plaything. I struggle to express my convictions concisely, (but I'm sure I could have a good rant about them given half the chance), but I think it's because in modern western society very few people have religion as a sole means of comfort. So whilst obvious I had neglected the fact that it can prove solace to those who sorely need it. After that it was a small stretch to appreciate the benefits of Theism to those even living comfortably. I'm still arrogant (naturally), but at least now a trifle less so. I class a good book as one that provides entertainment and allows the reader to think, a great book is one that in making the reader think, changes them. Crime and Punishment is such a book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-22 02:26:04.
(Language: English)
excellent! though i hate to designate my favorite book, i believe this is it. an incredible amount of depth and breadth. i don't even know where to begin. raskolnikov's conflict, his desire to be more than his physical being, to be greater than the "common louse", really hit home for me. it is a very raw emotion, to feel insignificant, and a very real deisre to be unique and important. i believe that it is only those who are complacent who cannot identify with raskolnikov's desire. to be honest, i was a bit disappointed that dostoevsky's point (one of them) is that significance cannot be stiven for (and the ending was a bit cheesy - finding the new testament under your pillow? please). however, dostoevsky is kinda right. i believe it is admiral to strive for significance, but one cannot forsake moral law in doing so. when one feels they can justify murder, there are serious social repercussions. take any dictator who pretends to be working for the greater good and you have a successful raskolnikov. this is why dostoevsky wrote this book. he was afraid of the nihilist movement in russia at the time, a movement that was propagating more and more the ideology expressed in raskolnikov's article, and was afraid of what new morality (or lack thereof) it would bring. once again, excellent!
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-04 03:01:19.
(Language: English)
An amazing journey through the psyche of Raskolnikov, a former student struck by poverty and crazy ideas. Dostoyevsky is the master of narration, and he tells us the story through intense and detailed conversations. Can crime be justified? an eternal question that presents itself in every page, as you alternate between love and hate for the young Rodny who believes that there are two types of people: regular and extraordinary. The latter have to spill some blood to communicate their magnificent ideas, which are for the better good after all. This 19th century classic illustrates to us the simplicity of the ideas that rush through one's mind before committing the unthinkable, and reminds us of the infinite power of our conscience, which can provide more punishment than the laws of the state. A total masterpeice. p.s. if you are new to Russian lit, you might get confused with the characters because of the names (each person has a first and middle name,and a short name)
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