17
votes
Is there anything that definitely confirms that Svidrigailov actually committed murder in "Crime and Punishment?"
Nothing proves it. The closest are Dunya's accusations, including her knowledge that he both discussed poison with her, AND went to get that poison.
"...Не твой револьвер, а Марфы Петровны, которую ...
- 4,476
12
votes
What does Dostoyevsky mean by 'propaganda' in Crime and Punishment?
The word "propaganda" at that time was not understood the way we tend to understand it today.
It is more or less safe to understand it based on its etymology, i.e. based on the verb "...
- 1,140
11
votes
Accepted
What does the last sentence in chapter 2 of Crime and Punishment really mean?
When Rodion says he could be wrong, he means his words for the previous sentence:
Hurrah for Sonia! What a mine they've dug there! And they're making
the most of it! Yes, they are making the most ...
- 1,225
11
votes
Accepted
Original Russian text of this review of Crime and Punishment
I googled for "мудрость сердца" (the wisdom of the heart) and "достоевский" and found a book "Fedor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. His life and works" (comp. V. Pokrovsky), and ...
- 735
8
votes
Accepted
How was Crime and Punishment originally published?
It was published during 1866 in the issues 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12. Dostoyevsky was still writing the novel in 1866 during the publication and finished it only in November or December.
January issue ...
- 1,225
7
votes
Accepted
"Hamlet" reference in "Crime and Punishment": translator's invention?
To answer your question, let's refer to the Russian original. Here's the relevant passage:
Идти с фальшивым билетом — куда же? — в банкирскую контору, где на этом собаку съели, — нет, я бы ...
- 86
5
votes
"Hamlet" reference in "Crime and Punishment": translator's invention?
If the original contained a Shakespeare allusion, then all English translations would include it.
Here is a different translation, where it is rendered as "where they know that kind of thing ...
- 2,221
4
votes
Use of the word 'aesthetic(s)' in this passage from Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment
First the definition would be good. Sadly, there are quite a few but I think that only one is important:
Relating to the philosophy or theories of aesthetics.
Of or concerning the appreciation of ...
- 2,070
3
votes
Accepted
About the role of Lizaveta in Crime and Punishment
I've searched for some material in Russian on the topic and haven't found much. The only book by a serious critic, I found, is by Vadim Kozhinov. He writes that in early editions of the novel Lizaveta ...
- 1,225
3
votes
Confusing list in Crime and Punishment
I admit that I haven't read the novel, but a look at the Russian text suggests that by "benevolent Providence" Raskolnikov means God. The relevant quote is Russian is as follows:
во-вторых, что ...
- 8,365
3
votes
What does “lying is a delightful thing, for it leads to truth” mean in "Crime and Punishment"?
This question Razumihin will answer himself (Part III, chapter I, same translation)
“What do you think?” shouted Razumihin, louder than ever, “you think I
am attacking them for talking nonsense? ...
- 1,225
2
votes
Significance in Raskolnikov's name in Crime and Punishment?
I don't know where the lined Wiki page got the Rhodes idea. The name Rodion really comes from the Greek Ῥοδίων. In the context of Crime and Punishment it bears several meanings, and likely refers to ...
- 1,002
2
votes
Accepted
Alyona Ivanovna apartment layout
There is no mention of a "thin, dark, passageway", at least in the original. This description refers to the backstairs, before the landing and apartment itself.
Immediately behind the apartment ...
- 602
2
votes
What does the last sentence in chapter 2 of Crime and Punishment really mean?
English translation is very close to the original text:
Ну а коли я соврал, — воскликнул он вдруг невольно, — коли действительно не подлец человек, весь вообще, весь род то есть человеческий, то ...
- 251
1
vote
Confusing list in Crime and Punishment
Roskolnikov is obsessed with the idea of powerful people who can 'break' the laws because they are 'special'. His primary example is Napolean. These people are in his mind 'better' and the laws (such ...
- 2,933
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