Personal Reflection

My personal response to Crime and Punishment is one of many surprising aspects. There is a certain subtlety about it, something very Tarantino-esque in a way. In the novel, there are many actions and thoughts of characters (principally Raskolnikov) which, to any "reasonable" reader would seem utterly preposterous. Indeed, "Reason" is another key aspect of the novel. Funnily enough, Raskolnikov's anchor of a friend (and foil of sorts to Raskolnikov) Razumikhin is named after the concept ("Vrazumikhin" meaning "to bring to reason" in Russian). Raskolnikov himself is aptly named, "Raskol", meaning "split", fits his reclusive and spiteful behaviour towards his family, friends, and the world at large. Clever insertions such as these add elements of familiarity and even foreshadow. If used in contrary ways (Such as Razumikhin's soliloquy confessing a lustful attraction to Avdotya Romanova and wallow in self-loathing, following a night of heavy drinking) can create amusing irony; welcome comic relief in a generally sullen and hate-filled environment.

As I mentioned earlier, the atrocities commited in the novel seem initially unjustifiable and unreasonable. As a young man who spends time in thought, I find the actions of Raskolnikov somehow relatable. I compared this to Tarantino films earlier. I meant that while one would never admit they agree or empathize with the protagonist (for fear of being shunned and outcast by peers), they feel as though the actions are justified and apt. This is how I felt about Crime and Punishment. For the brief stint I spent reading, I feel Raskolnikov's hate, his impatience, his paranoia, as if it were my own. “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.” (Fyodor Dostoevsky). I feel as though this quote summarizes the principle reasons for Raskolnikov's misery. He has the intellect and emotional capacity to become fatally stuck in the mire of misery (so to speak) that is his situation. Of course, this claim has greater meaning beyond the specific circumstances of the novel. I feel this claim explains accurately the misery felt by many, which they would have difficulty articulating, The quote speaks to me as a reader and as a person particularly, as I am able to empathize with Raskolnikov; but more importantly take the time to think and to feel the world around me. This allows me to feel the 'misery' that Dostoevsky describes. Indeed, Dostoevsky himself must have observed and felt as Raskolnikov and myself do. This makes itself abundantly clear (through Raskolnikov's intricate and detailed thoughts, written by Dostoevsky), and I personally feel a deeper connection to Raskolnikov and Dostoevsky. While I am well aware that the two men are fictional and long dead (respectively), I make the connection nonetheless. It may perhaps be more accurate to say I connect more so to the idea of Raskolnikov, as an abstract persona. This 'persona' is completely relatable to any period of time and any demographic. With such a fascinating psychological connection of sorts between myself, the author and Raskolnikov, how could I not be hopelessly drawn to Crime and Punishment?