Crime and Punishment is widely considered to be Fyodor Dostoevsky’s magnum opus, and rightfully so. It is an exciting thriller, that reveals an incredible and deeply detailed narrative. As much as the novel unravels into a gut-wrenching and spectacular story, it is Dostoevsky’s insightful writing that truly makes this one of the definitive works of the 19th century.
Before reading Dostoevsky, it is essential to take a 5-minute break to dive into the author’s life story. He was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1821. After a brief career in the military, he quickly switched his focus towards literature, writing his first novel, Poor Folk, which vividly depicts the lives of impoverished people. This book granted Dostoevsky access to Saint Petersburg’s literary circle, and so the author started getting more and more in touch with his colleagues. However, his increasing engagement with his literary peers proved dangerous, as he and other authors were arrested by the Tsarist regime for discussing banned books. This arrest almost led to Fyodor’s demise, as he was sentenced to death, but the sentence was commuted at the last moment. Still, he had to spend 5 years (1849-1854) in exile at a labor camp in Siberia.
The author struggled with a lifelong gambling addiction, which at times forced him to beg for money on the streets of Saint Petersburg. Consequently, Dostoevsky’s writing about poverty comes from a genuine place, and in certain moments, one could say it is autobiographical.
This unique perspective on misery is what makes Crime and Punishment such a potent piece of work. The first part of the novel (chapters 1-5) consists of a vivid depiction of what it is like to live and to be surrounded by poverty. The protagonist, Raskolnikov, is forced to abandon his studies due to financial struggles, resorting to selling his last valuable possessions on the streets of Saint Petersburg. Throughout this portrayal, the author maintains a somber tone, emphasizing the protagonist’s suffering and misery. For Dostoevsky, there is no point in trying to disguise this. There is a lingering sense of desperation tied to the character’s financial struggles, which makes for a very unsettling read.
Dostoevsky’s detailed writing brings his characters to life in a unique way. Despite the novel being written in the 19th century, the author’s extensive descriptions allow readers to recognize the chilling reality that people like them once existed and endured what is depicted. Furthermore, over time, it becomes increasingly evident that misery is timeless and intrinsic to society, and that humanity has ultimately failed to overcome it.
At first glance, a distracted reader might perceive the initial passages of Crime and Punishment as filled with seemingly inconsequential characters like Marmeladov, an alcoholic who neglects his family. However, a deeper analysis reveals Dostoevsky’s greater accomplishment: he vividly portrays the harsh reality of poverty. This contextualization is crucial for understanding the rest of Raskolnikov’s story; without it, Dostoevsky’s exploration of societal themes and character development would lack depth and authenticity.
Therefore, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s meticulous portrayal of impoverished characters, particularly their struggles to sell belongings or count coins for survival, is what truly elevates his work and brings unparallaled realism to it. Crime and Punishment transcends a mere murder narrative; rather, it offers a poignant exploration of the circumstances leading an individual to commit such a crime.