Discovering Russian Literature discussion

Here is the place you can discuss any background and resource material on Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky which you think may be helpful during the reading.

Please provide spoiler warnings when appropriate.


Reading Schedule

Part I: Feb 10-17
Part II: Feb 18-25
Part III: Feb 26-March 3
Part IV: March 4-11
Part V: March 12-19
Part VI & Conclusion: March 20-27

I came upon this and thought it was really quite interesting.

Some facts that the English reader should know:

1) Raskolnikov, Luzhin, Svidrigaïlov, Zametov, Marmeladov and Razhumikin have some symbolic meanings in their last names. For every Russian reader it is the obvious fact; however, in translation the meaning of names becomes lost.

Raskol’nik – schismatic
Luzha – puddle
Razum – reason, intelligence
Zametit’ – to notice
Marmelad – sort of sweet candy
Svidrigaïlov – name from the medieval Russian history, Lithuanian prince

2) The story of Marmeladov’s family came from the other Dostoevsky’s novel The Drunkards, which the writer had never finished. Instead of turning the story into the complete literary work, Dostoevsky put it in the plot of Crime and Punishment.

3) The character of Raskolnikov could be compared to other characters in Russian literature of that time. These heroes of Romantic era often possessed the qualities of revolt, cynicism and moral flaw in intelligent and attractive light. The critics created a name for such type of literary character, superfluous person. The examples of these heroes are Pushkin’s Yevgeniy Onegin and Lermontov’s Pechorin (Hero of Our Time).

4) Russian word for “crime” is “prestuplenie” which in direct translation means “stepping over”. “Stepping over the line” is also one of the phrases used by Raskolnikov in his “Louse or Napoleon” theory.

5) The murder weapon in the novel is an axe, a tool so often associated with Russian peasantry. It also carries the connotations of peasant unrest. However, Porfiry, is not deluded by the traditional weapon of a peasant and dismisses two painters from the list of suspects. Instead the ‘axe’ is used in his conversation with Raskolnikov as a double edged metaphor.

Thanks for the background info about the names. Very helpful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one; if I hadn't just read it just a little over a month ago, I'd read it again!

I may or may not join depending my work schedules but those of you who don't have Pevear/Volokhonsky, you may want to try David McDuff (Penguin Classics) which seems reader friendly to me. The e-book available here at GRs is Garnett translation which is also available free at "Project Gutenberg" but the downside is it's outdated.

I think I too would join the discussion. As for the translations (we do this for every reading, don't we? :), I'm just wondering what's available here: http://www.online-literature.com/dost...
Can a book owner tell me who the translator here.

Already read C&P but I will follow the discussion with much pleasure.

Shanez wrote: "I think I too would join the discussion. As for the translations (we do this for every reading, don't we? :), I'm just wondering what's available here: http://www.online-literature.com/dost......"

Sure; that's Constance Garnett's translation.

I will join in. I reread C&P in December after an absence of 10 years.

I have always thought C&P would make an extraordinary blockbuster film if done well. Who would you cast as Raskolnikov in an American movie version?

Maybe Tom Hardy (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)?

Does it matter which edition and translation we read?

Kathleen wrote: "Maybe Tom Hardy (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)?"

I could see that. For some reason I am fixated on Ryan Gosling being able to completely transform into the character.

Kathleen wrote: "Does it matter which edition and translation we read?"

I think it adds interest to the discussions when people have different versions and translations. I have the P&V.

Thanks.

Looking forward to rereading C&P and following the discussions.

I am reading it for the first time (with a 1911 everyman's edition).
Look forward to discussion.

Carol wrote: "I am reading it for the first time (with a 1911 everyman's edition).
Look forward to discussion."

Wow, 1911! That's a pre-Garnett translation.

this is my first book discussion on goodreads. Looking forward to it. Just started C&P. It doesn't look like any discussions have begun of Part I - am I missing the threads or do they start on the end date of each Part on the schedule?

Mine is the B&N classic eidtion. Translation by Constance Garnett translation. Very helpful intro by Priscilla Meyer. I have just finished Part I and am a few pages into Part II.

I have wanted to read this for decades. I had just started it, read Part I, then put it down for a while. This groupread is a good incentive to pick it up again.
I've read only Notes From Underground (fairly recently)and parts of Brothers K (too far back to remember).

I teach humanities, and our textbook includes an excerpt from C&P in its discussion of Russian realism. I am interesting in hearing your comments when we get to that passage. I'll let you know when it comes up.

Sound good. Please feel free to add comments to the thread.

Dee wrote: "this is my first book discussion on goodreads. Looking forward to it. Just started C&P. It doesn't look like any discussions have begun of Part I - am I missing the threads or do they start on t..."

The thread is here already. Do join us. I'm glad the discussions have started.

Just finished reading this two days ago! Guess I will look through the discussions anyway though.