4.16 AVERAGE

reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: No

Dopo quasi un mese e una settimana di quarantena sono riuscita a portare a termine questo capo saldo della letteratura russa.
Riconosco la magnificenza dell'opera, la sua importanza, la sua mole. Però personalmente non è riuscito a prendermi, forse perché il genere riflessivo/catastrofico (praticamente il genere principale di Dosto) non fa per me.
Le mie stelle non sono per la qualità dell'opera, non riuscirei nemmeno lontanamente a tirare fuori un commento rapido, forse un libro a parte dovrebbe essere scritto; le mie stelle sono dovute alla reazione che questo libro ha avuto su di me. Mi è piaciuto e non mi e piaciuto, non perché non sono riuscita a coglierne il messaggio e l'intenzione dell'autore, ma appunto perché in me ha suscitato reazioni dilanianti che non me la sento di dare 5 stelle.
Mi dispiace tanto, ma credo che ad ora di quel poco che ho letto, Dostoevskij non riesca a catturarmi pienamente.
dark reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The themes that Dostoyevsky develops in this novel are still so relevant to todays world. Idk not much new to say about a classic, read it and take your time with it because it is well worth the effort. It is so fun to read novels about a world that doesnt exist anymore. 

Finishing this book in the wake of Luigi Mangione’s actions electrifies this book in all the right ways. Painfully hilarious at times.

Accept suffering and through suffering redeem yourself
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
dark reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 Themes or Characters that Resonated with Me:
Raskolnikov: His internal struggle and justification for committing murder stand out as central to the novel. His rationalization that he is a "Napoleon," above moral constraints for the greater good, speaks to his inflated sense of superiority. As the novel progresses, his motivations become more complex, revealing that he isn’t driven purely by financial need, but rather by a philosophical justification of his actions. However, his ultimate cowardice and inability to reconcile his actions with his conscience were powerful in shaping his character arc. His confession at the end doesn’t seem to come from a place of repentance but as a result of his inability to live with the psychological consequences of his crime.

Sonya: The stark contrast between Raskolnikov and Sonya highlights the moral conflict at the heart of the story. While Raskolnikov justifies his wrongs, Sonya, a prostitute, does not attempt to rationalize her actions. Her character shows that morality is not just about justification but about the selfless nature of her sacrifices for her family. Despite her difficult circumstances, she embodies compassion and redemption in a way that Raskolnikov, despite his intellectual justifications, cannot.

Dunya: Dunya represents a different kind of strength. When faced with the threat of violence from Svidrigailov, she refuses to kill, even with a gun in her hand. Her moral compass and refusal to take another life show the stark contrast to Raskolnikov’s belief in murder for a greater purpose.

Emotions, Thoughts, or Memories it Brought Up in Me:
Raskolnikov’s internal torment, especially his conflicting emotions about guilt and fear of consequences, brought up feelings of how people often struggle with their own morality and the weight of their choices. His fear of the consequences seemed more significant than any true remorse, which mirrored how society sometimes prioritizes the fear of punishment over the actual morality of actions.

The relationship between Raskolnikov and Sonya made me reflect on the complexities of morality. Sonya’s self-sacrifice and willingness to endure hardships without moral justification, contrasted with Raskolnikov’s self-serving rationalization of his crime, painted a vivid picture of moral struggles and redemption. It made me think of how people often justify their own actions or the choices of others based on circumstances.

Opinion about the Author or Writing Style:
Dostoevsky’s writing in Crime and Punishment is masterful in delving deep into the psychological turmoil of the characters. Through Raskolnikov’s mental and emotional breakdowns, the novel paints a vivid picture of a person wrestling with guilt, pride, and fear. The shifting perspectives and unreliable narration mirror Raskolnikov’s fractured psyche. The contrast between Raskolnikov’s intellectual justifications and the simpler, more grounded morality of other characters like Sonya and Razumikhin is stark and works to highlight his inner conflict.

The novel’s exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption is still highly relevant today. It speaks to the human tendency to justify wrongdoing through rationalizations, especially when one believes they are above others. Dostoevsky’s portrayal of these themes remains a timeless exploration of the human condition.

Favorite Passage:
“The man who has a conscience suffers whilst acknowledging his sin. That is his punishment.”

My ratings-
Writing Style: 85
Relatability: 85
Originality: 95
Personal impact: 95 
Plot: 90 

idk and i actually want to attempt again but i have to start from the beginning