This chapter is significantly different in pace and narration from the previous ones. The entire chapter takes place in Raskolnikov's room, but his voice is muted.
I was struck by the level of detail Dostoevsky provided regarding the clothing purchased by Razumikhin…not only the enumeration of each article, but the exact cost of each as well. Following the metaphor of the clothing representing forgiveness and salvation, it reminded me of 1 Corinthians 6:29.
“…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Forgiveness is a gift, but that doesn’t mean it is free. There was a cost to the one who gives it (the death of Christ in Christianity), and the one who receives it then owes his life to God.
Recognizing the cost of Rodion’s transformation was clearly important to Dostoevsky. Now…how will Rodion respond? Will he honor the “gift” and keep the new clothes clean, or will they wind up tattered and soiled as well? More blood? Hmmmmm…
Oh, this is a very interesting observation about prices. I didn't really pay much attention to it, just thinking that Razumikhin was reporting to Raskolnikov about the expenses. But maybe Dostoevsky also had this in mind, considering he knew the Bible very well. I'm not well-versed in it overall.
We should closely follow how he takes care of his clothing. This will be an curious observation.
I don't know what to think about Razumikhin. I can see objectively why is actions might be helpful, but also he seems both overbearing and dismissive? Is there anything to it, or is my own introvertness making my skin crawl?
I am sure it's about the introvert here. I actually have similar feelings. Analyzing the text, I understand that Razumikhin is presented here as a positive character, a loyal friend.
However, my personal feelings are of rejection towards him; I wouldn't want someone doing things around me without my knowledge, but on the other hand, I'm not feverishly at death's door. It is particularly unpleasant for me to read that Rodion cannot stay alone in his room, which is already the size of a closet, and yet it is like a thoroughfare. Nastasya keeps coming in all the time, for example. But all these thoughts come from my perspective as a woman, who generally feels uncomfortable when men hang around without asking. This causes additional fear.
Three times Dostoevsky refers to the heat/ fire, which causes a change in the essence of an object. Raskolnikov has a fever, is described as having a “ burning impatience”, and drinks the beer he finds “as though quenching a flame in his breast.” Will he allow this transformative flame to alter him? Also, I read years ago (and I can’t remember the book or the author unfortunately) that the words in Matthew’s parable about the goats being sent to eternal punishment have been mistranslated. It should actually read “therapeutic pruning ( the Greek word here is an agricultural term for pruning plants) in God’s time.” This seems to relate to (V)razumihin mentioning having an eternity. Perhaps this book is about “therapeutic pruning” for Raskolnikov. It reads like this is going to be a very difficult journey, as so far, he resists help.
Your observation on heat and fire as transformative elements in Dostoevsky's work is fascinating. The fever, "burning impatience," and quenching a flame suggest Raskolnikov's internal struggle and potential transformation.
The concept of "therapeutic pruning" is intriguing, aligning with Raskolnikov's profound personal and moral transformation through suffering. Razumikhin's mention of eternity suggests this process has eternal significance. Dostoevsky explores redemption and its painful path. Raskolnikov's resistance and internal battles make his journey complex. It will be interesting to see if the transformative "flame" ultimately alters him.
Aug 17·edited Aug 17Liked by Dana • Dostoevsky Bookclub
They had the curious habit of drinking tea not from the cup but from the saucer, sometimes through a cube of sugar: “And where is she to get raspberries for you?” asked Nastasya, balancing a saucer on her five outspread fingers and sipping tea through a lump of sugar.
The doctor offers a curious remedy for Raskolnikov's ills: "You remember Zossimov? He examined you carefully and said at once it was nothing serious—something seemed to have gone to your head. Some nervous nonsense, the result of bad feeding, he says you have not had enough beer and radish, but it’s nothing much, it will pass and you will be all right."
I am continually amazed at Raskolnikov’s ability to fall asleep in his agitated state of mind: “With a sense of comfort he nestled his head into the pillow, wrapped more closely about him the soft, wadded quilt which had replaced the old, ragged greatcoat, sighed softly and sank into a deep, sound, refreshing sleep.”
That's right. They have sophisticated ways of drinking, which I can only speculate about. I used to drink tea from a saucer in childhood because it cools faster and is sometimes poured that way. But in reality, it's inconvenient. I think they drink it that way so their sugar cube doesn't dissolve quickly, allowing them to use it longer since sugar was expensive.
Rodion has definitely learned to manage without personal space. If you live like in an anthill with an always open door, then he probably no longer cares about what's happening around him.
I was struck by the level of detail Dostoevsky provided regarding the clothing purchased by Razumikhin…not only the enumeration of each article, but the exact cost of each as well. Following the metaphor of the clothing representing forgiveness and salvation, it reminded me of 1 Corinthians 6:29.
“…You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
Forgiveness is a gift, but that doesn’t mean it is free. There was a cost to the one who gives it (the death of Christ in Christianity), and the one who receives it then owes his life to God.
Recognizing the cost of Rodion’s transformation was clearly important to Dostoevsky. Now…how will Rodion respond? Will he honor the “gift” and keep the new clothes clean, or will they wind up tattered and soiled as well? More blood? Hmmmmm…
Oh, this is a very interesting observation about prices. I didn't really pay much attention to it, just thinking that Razumikhin was reporting to Raskolnikov about the expenses. But maybe Dostoevsky also had this in mind, considering he knew the Bible very well. I'm not well-versed in it overall.
We should closely follow how he takes care of his clothing. This will be an curious observation.
I don't know what to think about Razumikhin. I can see objectively why is actions might be helpful, but also he seems both overbearing and dismissive? Is there anything to it, or is my own introvertness making my skin crawl?
I am sure it's about the introvert here. I actually have similar feelings. Analyzing the text, I understand that Razumikhin is presented here as a positive character, a loyal friend.
However, my personal feelings are of rejection towards him; I wouldn't want someone doing things around me without my knowledge, but on the other hand, I'm not feverishly at death's door. It is particularly unpleasant for me to read that Rodion cannot stay alone in his room, which is already the size of a closet, and yet it is like a thoroughfare. Nastasya keeps coming in all the time, for example. But all these thoughts come from my perspective as a woman, who generally feels uncomfortable when men hang around without asking. This causes additional fear.
Three times Dostoevsky refers to the heat/ fire, which causes a change in the essence of an object. Raskolnikov has a fever, is described as having a “ burning impatience”, and drinks the beer he finds “as though quenching a flame in his breast.” Will he allow this transformative flame to alter him? Also, I read years ago (and I can’t remember the book or the author unfortunately) that the words in Matthew’s parable about the goats being sent to eternal punishment have been mistranslated. It should actually read “therapeutic pruning ( the Greek word here is an agricultural term for pruning plants) in God’s time.” This seems to relate to (V)razumihin mentioning having an eternity. Perhaps this book is about “therapeutic pruning” for Raskolnikov. It reads like this is going to be a very difficult journey, as so far, he resists help.
Your observation on heat and fire as transformative elements in Dostoevsky's work is fascinating. The fever, "burning impatience," and quenching a flame suggest Raskolnikov's internal struggle and potential transformation.
The concept of "therapeutic pruning" is intriguing, aligning with Raskolnikov's profound personal and moral transformation through suffering. Razumikhin's mention of eternity suggests this process has eternal significance. Dostoevsky explores redemption and its painful path. Raskolnikov's resistance and internal battles make his journey complex. It will be interesting to see if the transformative "flame" ultimately alters him.
Oh, my. Your explanations today were so enlightening and now I have to reread this chapter with new understanding. Thank you.
They had the curious habit of drinking tea not from the cup but from the saucer, sometimes through a cube of sugar: “And where is she to get raspberries for you?” asked Nastasya, balancing a saucer on her five outspread fingers and sipping tea through a lump of sugar.
The doctor offers a curious remedy for Raskolnikov's ills: "You remember Zossimov? He examined you carefully and said at once it was nothing serious—something seemed to have gone to your head. Some nervous nonsense, the result of bad feeding, he says you have not had enough beer and radish, but it’s nothing much, it will pass and you will be all right."
I am continually amazed at Raskolnikov’s ability to fall asleep in his agitated state of mind: “With a sense of comfort he nestled his head into the pillow, wrapped more closely about him the soft, wadded quilt which had replaced the old, ragged greatcoat, sighed softly and sank into a deep, sound, refreshing sleep.”
That's right. They have sophisticated ways of drinking, which I can only speculate about. I used to drink tea from a saucer in childhood because it cools faster and is sometimes poured that way. But in reality, it's inconvenient. I think they drink it that way so their sugar cube doesn't dissolve quickly, allowing them to use it longer since sugar was expensive.
Rodion has definitely learned to manage without personal space. If you live like in an anthill with an always open door, then he probably no longer cares about what's happening around him.