Part 1 of Crime and Punishment

[NancyJ, Moderator]

Discuss any events that took place in part 1 of the book. Spoilers are OK. Please use spoiler covers if you comment on anything that takes place AFTER this section, or post your comment in the next thread.

What are your first impressions of the book?

What do you think of the lead character and other characters?

What surprised you so far.

What are your favorite or least favorite aspects of the book?

Feel free to pose other discussion questions.

[Sarah]

So this is my first book discussion for this group so I'm not sure what kind/how much people participate.

I've always wanted to read the Russian authors but have been really hesitant. I feared the writing would be too antiquated and the readability just wouldn't be there.

Luckily, that isn't the case at all! C & P is a relatively easy read yet fun and intelligent.

Also, that horse dream was brutal. As someone who has had horses in the past, I teared up.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

Welcome Sarah! I haven't started it yet, but I think others will jump in soon.

[Kim]

I am only halfway through the first part (behind as always lol), but Dostoevsky makes such vivid imagery about his character descriptions! I am joint listening and reading the novel, and the descriotion for Marmeladov was done so well that I was able to paint a picture in my head of him, down to the counter of the bar! The speech itself, while a little rambling, showcased so well how he was trying to come across as the afflicted but was really the "bad" man in his situation, and seeing his wife and their despair solidified the reality.

I had no idea I was going to enjoy this book so much!

[Sarah]

I'm glad you are liking it as well, Kim!

We both thought it was going to be such a difficult read but it's not really at all! I think the term 'Russian literature' is intimidating all on its own so I'm not surprised so many people are so apprehensive about giving it a go.

[[deleted user]]

I just finished part one. The book started off interesting but slow for me as classics often do. I was hungry for some action, and while Marmeldoff’s story was captivating and heartbreaking, I was just wondering what this would have to do with Raskolnikoff and the desperate deed he was contemplating. And now that I’ve finished this part, I’m still wondering! Will we encounter Marmeldoff again?

So I was slowly reading a few pages each day until I got to chapter six when Raskolnikoff‘s plan is revealed. Then I couldn’t put it down! I can’t believe what he did with that hatchet! And then he’s taking his sweet time cleaning up while I’m screaming, “Get out of there!” I can’t believe he got away. So now I’m very interested to see what’s in store in Part 2.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

Kim wrote: "I am only halfway through the first part (behind as always lol), but Dostoevsky makes such vivid imagery about his character descriptions! I am joint listening and reading the novel, and the descri..."

I like to listen and read too - alternating as my mood (or eyes) dictate. I'm always surprised to realize that some lines only "stick" with one format, but not the other.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

Talia wrote: "I just finished part one. The book started off interesting but slow for me as classics often do. I was hungry for some action, and while Marmeldoff’s story was captivating and heartbreaking, I was ..."

I love when you reach that point in a book, where it just propels you forward.

I hope you all continue to enjoy it. Please keep commenting in each section when you can. Quite a few of us haven't started yet, but will soon.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

I just finished this part, and I had the same reactions. Marmeladov was interesting. Many alcoholics blame others for their drinking (at least at first). Marmeladov seems to use self-blame as a way to lessen the condemnation from others. He seems to be seeking pity. I wonder too if he will reappear. If not, maybe he was there to show the effects of alcoholism?

I wonder if Rascolnikov had a mental illness. He has a lot of anxiety, he avoids people, and he sleeps a lot. He is very hungry but he can't or won't eat what they're giving him. I wonder if he is sick (physically or mentally) now because he has no job and income? Or was he already sick, and that's why he lost his job(s) as a tutor?

I thought it was funny when he described failed criminals as lacking willpower and hesitating when committing crimes. I suspect that it was their conscience (or good sense) that caused them to hesitate to commit the crime, not lack of will power.

[Chris]

Themes: Poverty, indecision and fear?
The first chap is extremely depressing as we get a glimpse into this drear world. My initial impression of Raskolnikov definitely was one of mental illness: his inattention to appearance, isolation, "overstrained irritability", "completely absorbed in himself", "babbling", "nervous tremor" etc. Also the use of the color yellow pretty frequently which often symbolizes illness/disease along with being associated with disadvantage such as poverty.

Even though the alcoholic Marmeladov seems despicable, there are quite a few similarities between he & Raskolnikov: their incapability to turn their lives around although they both know what they need to do to accomplish that. The parallels between M's wife & R.'s mother and Sonya & R.'s sister.

What do you think of R's mother's letter?

[Kim]

Well, I am incredibly behind! But, wowza, that was a loaded part! Everything from the implied rape scene, the poor horse scene, the alcoholic (with a crazy good monologue), and the crime. My goodness, I was gripped. I do not usually highlight, tab, or wrire in books, but I hate reading this without a highlighter or tabs in my vicinity.

I am also curious about the letter and the implications of what the mother is doing. She hopes to move with the daughter but it seems the husband won't let her, but it isn't explained. I am hoping it is visited in more depth as we go!

[Sarah]

Chris: I'll watch out for yellow as I haven't pickef it up yet. Good catch!

And that letter was crazy. So presumptuous and divisive designs by the mother. Not sure who I find more interesting, his mother or sister.

[Ella]

Oy, I've been horrible with this group. I read this while I was still on vacation & I've totally forgotten to take part in the discussion. I can add one thing though: https://youtu.be/bZWVp_qrD8o

Not just funny, but actually very helpful as far as videos about books go. (Mostly just awesomely funny though.)

[Linda]

That is funny, Ella....I could see high school kids subscribing to that channel! :P

[Ella]

Linda Abhors the New GR Design wrote: "That is funny, Ella....I could see high school kids subscribing to that channel! :P"

My favorite part is:

You might even say that Dostoyevsky's conclusion that one must embrace suffering to achieve enlightenment is a big ole fuck you to Nietzsche's post-modern nihilism. Ya heard me?"

Peep this motif, son!

I love this guy. This was his first ever video, and as such, it holds a special place in my heart. He even breaks down the meanings of the names! Also, he mentions the public library in almost every video - which is wonderful.

[Jacinta]

Ok, so I'm way behind, but I just finished Part 2 (I technically finished Part 1 in September, so partial success??). I was assigned this book in high school and it was one of very few that I didn't finish. I believe I read Part 1 and started Part 2 and then dropped it because it felt slow and I didn't care about Raskolnikov at all. For years, I have meant to come back and try again, and I'm glad I have! I agree with what so many of you have said about the vivid, memorable, and bleak opening scenes.

Raskolnikov's mother's letter reminded me a bit of Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice - but maybe a little less silly and a little more self-interested.

[NancyJ, Moderator]

That's an interesting observation. I didn't pick that up. I'll have to look back at the dialogue.

[Jacinta]

I'm not sure I still think that after reading through Part 3 and into Part 4. She seems more self-respecting and less manipulative than Mrs. Bennet.