In this 3 chapter, we read a letter from Raskolnikov's mother, and learn about what was happening with her and his sister, Dunya. And we see the reaction to her engagement with Luzhin.
Dana, the current reads of W&P and C&P are my first true studies of Russian literature, although I’ve read a lot of both authors’ shorter works. Every bit information you provide on Russian language is gold! I’m enjoying your articles every bit as much as I am the story. (I’m tempted to say “more,” but I’m afraid that may be heresy.) I’m starting a notebook just to collect all the information you’re providing! Thank you for all the time you’re taking to put this together for us.
And do you have plans for all your artwork?!?! It needs to be published!!
Thank you for such active participation; it is motivating for me. 💕 It's a great immersion in Russian literature to start with two titan novels. And Simon's “War and Peace” club is magnificent.
I am still developing my style and volume for articles. I don't want to write huge textes, as few people have the time to read them, but there is a lot to say about the novel itself. Considering Dostoevsky's life or 19th-century culture in general, there's a lot to cover.
I have scheduled Q&A sections after each part of the novel. I think I can answer some questions in detail there: about the novel, the Russian language, and the culture. Some moments are very specific for articles, like the russian language itself, but they would be suitable for Q&A. You can start coming up with questions now; I will make a post during the week to start collecting them.
As for my reading journal, I don't know yet. I still need to not abandon it and finish it 😅
I found his mother's letter fascinating. She has SO much to say - she makes a lot of assumptions about Dunya's fiance and what he will or won't do for the family (employ Rodion, invite the mother to live with them after the marriage) and places all of her hope on Rodion's support (after reminding him of all the support she and Dunya have given him so far). I wonder if Rodion feels stifled by his mother's letter? I assume it pushes him to crime, given the burden of support placed on him and the reminder that he hasn't contributed to the family yet.
Yes, it is a very powerful letter, and not all mothers have the ability or courage to write so profoundly and impactfully. The letter clearly stirred a storm of emotions in Rodion, mixing complex feelings. It could have been anger at himself for his shortcomings or at Luzhin for the circumstances he created 🤔. And, of course, there was the heavy burden of unfulfilled hopes and dreams weighing on his heart and mind.
Thank you very much for the trurtle mention and thank you for your all of the notes. It makes my reading experience much richer and better!
I am thinking of the mother wanted to make this marriage? She wanted money for the family and for the son. Similar how Sonja's stepmother helped Sonja become a prostitute. Dunya's mother helped her daughter to be a wife.
Yeah! Considering that the men in the novel do not earn money but only spend it, for the mother, this is a chance to ensure Dunya won't end up as a prostitute.
I got a bit behind, so I am writing this from memory. For me, the mother's letter seemed to put a very optimistic spin on what looks like a bad marriage prospect. This so-called kindly man is letting them travel to Moscow in the greatest discomfort. I think he also wants a wife he can domineer. He said words to the effect that he wanted a wife without a dowry because it's better that the wife always has to rely on the husband. I think there are red flags everywhere - don't marry this man - and that R reads between the lines and understands this. He thinks his sister is marrying for his sake and here he is presently not studying because of his lack of funds. He is angry when he reads this letter, but I see that anger as turning in on himself, because his sister is taking that step. This will surely cause him great guilt. Guilt and anger, a lethal combination. It can only lead him towards his crime. Just want to say too, that in the governess situation, it's just typical that the woman gets the blame. When the truth did come out, I found the wife's reaction or overreaction a bit hard to believe. Thanks for your drawings and all the info. You are putting so much into this. 💕
I perceive Rodion's emotion similarly. To me, Raskolnikov shows uncontrollable anger and resentment here. He didn't consider providing for his sister or finding her a husband at that time; he just hated everything. Traditionally, if a girl's father died, the brother had to arrange it. This was common in noble families; in poor families, they probably managed as best they could. However, Raskolnikov wanting to vent this anger won't end well.
Svidrigailov's wife indeed overreacts. She first shamed the girl without proof, then praised her. Perhaps that's how the mother perceived it.
I can't guess why Rodion's mother would sign her letter with her name, instead of mum. However it made me think of when I get mail or a parcel from my daughter, who is in her 50's. She always addresses the mail "To Mum" , then she writes my full name and the address. I have always found this so endearing and she has done it since childhood.
This is very sweet 💕 And Rodion's mother wrote her name not on the envelope, but in a personal letter, so this is very strange to me. As if he doesn't know her name 😁
Yes, it is a logical explanation, (but he didn’t write it completely anyway,); Dostoevsky is talented enough to incorporate her name more naturally in the novel 😅. she signed with both her first and last name. If it was customary in the family to address each other respectfully by name, she would have written her first name and patronymic—Pulkheria Alexandrovna—and the last name would be completely unnecessary. Therefore, it is a mystery to me why Dostoevsky did it this way.
Absolutely. On second thoughts, I’m not sure whether the mother is simply delusional or trying to manipulate her son… I guess we’ll see what happens next…
So this letter... after Marmeladov's speech, this is another truckload, haha! What really gets to me is the whole "sweet and sour" vibe. It's like reading a story where someone's trying to tell you about a terrible accident, and they're like, "Oh, it was really awful, but luckily everyone's okay!"... and the way his mother downplays the whole “almost-seduction” situation with Dunya is just enraging, both for the protagonist and the reader. And Luzhin? His mother's gushing about him being a great match, but every word screams "controlling creep." Honestly, this woman is in more denial and cloud cuckoo land than Raskolnikov himself! And the whole "you're our hope and our everything" thing? Suffocating parent/child dynamic! That letter is a loaded gun that makes R's situation even more explosive, if possible! Beautifully written, Dosto! On we go...
I agree with your thoughts on the letter. The "sweet and sour" vibe adds complexity to Raskolnikov's chaotic situation. His mother downplaying Dunya's "almost-seduction" is infuriating, showing her disconnect from reality. Luzhin as a "controlling creep" is spot on, and it's maddening his mother can't see through him. The suffocating parent/child dynamic adds tension. Dostoevsky uses this letter to complicate Raskolnikov's mental state and set the stage for the drama. Onward indeed!
Yes, it seems so. Actually, it is written in Latin as **Pulcheria, but I wrote it as in the translation that I read. In Cyrillic, it is Пульхерия.**
The name chosen is unusual and not common at all in Russia. Most likely, Dostoevsky chose it because it is closely associated with early Christianity, especially Greek Christianity.
Yes, thanks for being so polite, but it's not really a logical explanation. Of course, you're right about Dostoevsky. Some things simply must remain a mystery 😃
Dostoevsky calls Rodin a monomaniac. I had to look it up, someone who only thinks of one thing. I assume we will see this unfold. But for now, how is being a monomaniac sculpting his reaction to the letter? I am not sure. It certainly triggered his dislike of being with people and now this stranger, Luzhin, is being foist upon him.
I had to look up monomania as well! It was fascinating to see how Rodin’s obsession with the crime is tainting everything in the letter. I’m guessing (based on the length of the novel) that his mother’s pleas are not going to be successful and might push him further into desperation and obsession.
It was also interesting to think about whether or not I know any monomaniacs…people who only talk about one thing…all..the…time. I never considered it might be some type of obsession for them. It makes me want to study the causes of monomania.
Dostoevsky has not called it that yet; everything has its time. This fixation on the idea before and after the crime manifests differently. While Rodion still restrains himself, he doesn't know whether he will commit the crime or not. But we will see how it develops.
It seems to me that his obsession does not extend to his family. For him, they are an opportunity to come to his true senses.
Dana, the current reads of W&P and C&P are my first true studies of Russian literature, although I’ve read a lot of both authors’ shorter works. Every bit information you provide on Russian language is gold! I’m enjoying your articles every bit as much as I am the story. (I’m tempted to say “more,” but I’m afraid that may be heresy.) I’m starting a notebook just to collect all the information you’re providing! Thank you for all the time you’re taking to put this together for us.
And do you have plans for all your artwork?!?! It needs to be published!!
Thank you for such active participation; it is motivating for me. 💕 It's a great immersion in Russian literature to start with two titan novels. And Simon's “War and Peace” club is magnificent.
I am still developing my style and volume for articles. I don't want to write huge textes, as few people have the time to read them, but there is a lot to say about the novel itself. Considering Dostoevsky's life or 19th-century culture in general, there's a lot to cover.
I have scheduled Q&A sections after each part of the novel. I think I can answer some questions in detail there: about the novel, the Russian language, and the culture. Some moments are very specific for articles, like the russian language itself, but they would be suitable for Q&A. You can start coming up with questions now; I will make a post during the week to start collecting them.
As for my reading journal, I don't know yet. I still need to not abandon it and finish it 😅
I found his mother's letter fascinating. She has SO much to say - she makes a lot of assumptions about Dunya's fiance and what he will or won't do for the family (employ Rodion, invite the mother to live with them after the marriage) and places all of her hope on Rodion's support (after reminding him of all the support she and Dunya have given him so far). I wonder if Rodion feels stifled by his mother's letter? I assume it pushes him to crime, given the burden of support placed on him and the reminder that he hasn't contributed to the family yet.
Yes, it is a very powerful letter, and not all mothers have the ability or courage to write so profoundly and impactfully. The letter clearly stirred a storm of emotions in Rodion, mixing complex feelings. It could have been anger at himself for his shortcomings or at Luzhin for the circumstances he created 🤔. And, of course, there was the heavy burden of unfulfilled hopes and dreams weighing on his heart and mind.
Thank you very much for the trurtle mention and thank you for your all of the notes. It makes my reading experience much richer and better!
I am thinking of the mother wanted to make this marriage? She wanted money for the family and for the son. Similar how Sonja's stepmother helped Sonja become a prostitute. Dunya's mother helped her daughter to be a wife.
Thank you for the kind words! 💕
Yeah! Considering that the men in the novel do not earn money but only spend it, for the mother, this is a chance to ensure Dunya won't end up as a prostitute.
I got a bit behind, so I am writing this from memory. For me, the mother's letter seemed to put a very optimistic spin on what looks like a bad marriage prospect. This so-called kindly man is letting them travel to Moscow in the greatest discomfort. I think he also wants a wife he can domineer. He said words to the effect that he wanted a wife without a dowry because it's better that the wife always has to rely on the husband. I think there are red flags everywhere - don't marry this man - and that R reads between the lines and understands this. He thinks his sister is marrying for his sake and here he is presently not studying because of his lack of funds. He is angry when he reads this letter, but I see that anger as turning in on himself, because his sister is taking that step. This will surely cause him great guilt. Guilt and anger, a lethal combination. It can only lead him towards his crime. Just want to say too, that in the governess situation, it's just typical that the woman gets the blame. When the truth did come out, I found the wife's reaction or overreaction a bit hard to believe. Thanks for your drawings and all the info. You are putting so much into this. 💕
I perceive Rodion's emotion similarly. To me, Raskolnikov shows uncontrollable anger and resentment here. He didn't consider providing for his sister or finding her a husband at that time; he just hated everything. Traditionally, if a girl's father died, the brother had to arrange it. This was common in noble families; in poor families, they probably managed as best they could. However, Raskolnikov wanting to vent this anger won't end well.
Svidrigailov's wife indeed overreacts. She first shamed the girl without proof, then praised her. Perhaps that's how the mother perceived it.
I can't guess why Rodion's mother would sign her letter with her name, instead of mum. However it made me think of when I get mail or a parcel from my daughter, who is in her 50's. She always addresses the mail "To Mum" , then she writes my full name and the address. I have always found this so endearing and she has done it since childhood.
This is very sweet 💕 And Rodion's mother wrote her name not on the envelope, but in a personal letter, so this is very strange to me. As if he doesn't know her name 😁
Oh, so you don't know the reason, either. Yes, it's very strange. Could it be Dostoevsky's way of advising the reader of the mother's name?
Yes, it is a logical explanation, (but he didn’t write it completely anyway,); Dostoevsky is talented enough to incorporate her name more naturally in the novel 😅. she signed with both her first and last name. If it was customary in the family to address each other respectfully by name, she would have written her first name and patronymic—Pulkheria Alexandrovna—and the last name would be completely unnecessary. Therefore, it is a mystery to me why Dostoevsky did it this way.
Absolutely. On second thoughts, I’m not sure whether the mother is simply delusional or trying to manipulate her son… I guess we’ll see what happens next…
So this letter... after Marmeladov's speech, this is another truckload, haha! What really gets to me is the whole "sweet and sour" vibe. It's like reading a story where someone's trying to tell you about a terrible accident, and they're like, "Oh, it was really awful, but luckily everyone's okay!"... and the way his mother downplays the whole “almost-seduction” situation with Dunya is just enraging, both for the protagonist and the reader. And Luzhin? His mother's gushing about him being a great match, but every word screams "controlling creep." Honestly, this woman is in more denial and cloud cuckoo land than Raskolnikov himself! And the whole "you're our hope and our everything" thing? Suffocating parent/child dynamic! That letter is a loaded gun that makes R's situation even more explosive, if possible! Beautifully written, Dosto! On we go...
I agree with your thoughts on the letter. The "sweet and sour" vibe adds complexity to Raskolnikov's chaotic situation. His mother downplaying Dunya's "almost-seduction" is infuriating, showing her disconnect from reality. Luzhin as a "controlling creep" is spot on, and it's maddening his mother can't see through him. The suffocating parent/child dynamic adds tension. Dostoevsky uses this letter to complicate Raskolnikov's mental state and set the stage for the drama. Onward indeed!
Would the name Pulkheria derive from the Latin "pulcher", beautiful? She sounds like a beautiful soul.
Yes, it seems so. Actually, it is written in Latin as **Pulcheria, but I wrote it as in the translation that I read. In Cyrillic, it is Пульхерия.**
The name chosen is unusual and not common at all in Russia. Most likely, Dostoevsky chose it because it is closely associated with early Christianity, especially Greek Christianity.
Yes, thanks for being so polite, but it's not really a logical explanation. Of course, you're right about Dostoevsky. Some things simply must remain a mystery 😃
Dostoevsky calls Rodin a monomaniac. I had to look it up, someone who only thinks of one thing. I assume we will see this unfold. But for now, how is being a monomaniac sculpting his reaction to the letter? I am not sure. It certainly triggered his dislike of being with people and now this stranger, Luzhin, is being foist upon him.
I had to look up monomania as well! It was fascinating to see how Rodin’s obsession with the crime is tainting everything in the letter. I’m guessing (based on the length of the novel) that his mother’s pleas are not going to be successful and might push him further into desperation and obsession.
It was also interesting to think about whether or not I know any monomaniacs…people who only talk about one thing…all..the…time. I never considered it might be some type of obsession for them. It makes me want to study the causes of monomania.
I think I know one, no matter what subject is being talked about he relates it to the US Civil War. It gets old fast!
Dostoevsky has not called it that yet; everything has its time. This fixation on the idea before and after the crime manifests differently. While Rodion still restrains himself, he doesn't know whether he will commit the crime or not. But we will see how it develops.
It seems to me that his obsession does not extend to his family. For him, they are an opportunity to come to his true senses.