In 1866 Fyodor Dostoevsky revealed arguably one of many best novels of all time: Crime and Punishment, revolutionizing literature and introducing one of many first ever psychological thrillers. Born in 1821 in Moscow, Russia, Dostoevsky was born in lucky circumstances, however nowhere close to these of his friends like Leo Tolstoy. His father was a retired navy physician who did charity work, supporting the well being of those that couldn’t afford it. It’s rumoured that, when Dostoevsky was solely 18, his father was brutally murdered by serfs. Although it is a hearsay, its hypothetical impact would clarify a lot of the darker tones current in his work.
Later in life, Dostoevsky would begin getting concerned in underground political teams opposing the established order. He would get arrested and despatched to demise by firing squad, however simply earlier than he was to be shot, a guard got here in claiming the tsar had forgiven them. This close to demise expertise strengthened Dostoevsky gratitude for all times, and emphasis on the person will. It additionally ushered in his most provocative and memorable works.
The third novel revealed within the aftermath of his arrest was one in every of his most notable Crime and Punishment. The Story centres round Raskolnikov, a scholar who’s entrenched in poverty, and decides to homicide and rob his landlady. This motion spirals Raskolnikov right into a frenzy of rationalizing and intellectualizing the ethics of his actions. A big portion of the narrative is spent in his head, debating with himself, and taking up completely different viewpoints. All these psychological gymnastics find yourself solely delaying Raskolnikov’s sense of guilt.
The novel delves into the psychology of people, and the ability of will. Raskolnikov is given many motives for his resolution, some implicit and a few express. Many are attributable to familial issues, ones pertaining to finance and others to justice. All these concepts come crashing down as soon as easy compassion comes into play. This showcases how intellectualizing can solely take one to this point. On the finish of the day, people wish to do good. We wish to assist each other, and betraying that causes nice psychological misery, irrespective of the ideology one subscribes to.
Dostoevsky’s writing is acknowledged as among the finest ever in literary canon. It’s not solely a fictional narrative, however an actual investigation into what makes us human. Crime and Punishment,, is a chief instance of this and is value a learn for anybody wanting to know the human psyche.
Picture Credit score: Portrait of Dostoevsky by Vasily Perov 1872
