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Ellie's avatar

It was hard to go through these two chapters, especially the last one, I felt nauseous. It's ironic that Dostoevsky really likes to dwell on descriptions of debauchery and depravity despite all his moralism. I'm really worried about Sonya's siblings now, especially the two little girls.

It's true that details about Svidrigailov's crimes are not needed to see what a piece of s*** he is, what I'd love to learn more about is the days Dunya spent living with him and Marfa Petrovna, not from his distorted point of view but from Dunya's, there's a lot of depth there that we'll never know about. I'm intrigued by Marfa Petrovna "literally" being in love with Dunya. Well, probably not literally, even though that would be interesting too. But there's a triangle of jealousy there that would make for such an interesting story in the right writer's hands.

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Heather Weaver's avatar

Yikes! The other day I jokingly commented that Svidrigailov would be the one character I wouldn’t mind Rodion killing. After these chapters, Svidrigailov hasn’t changed my mind…although I’m a little fearful that it would more likely be Svidrigailov killing Rodion. I was physically ill after hearing him boast of his depravity.

This comparison of Svidrigailov and Rodion is fascinating. To see someone who at the beginning of the novel was portrayed as a depraved murderer now be a possible source of light and hope is truly a testament to Dostoevsky’s sill as a writer. When I try to pinpoint that change, I find it difficult to do so. The evolution of his character has been incredibly gradual with the war between good and evil being fought in his soul the whole way. It’s been impossible to tell…and still is…which side will win.

I’m fervently hoping for a moment of redemption for Rodion, but what would that even look like at this point? Is it going to require an “eye for an eye?” I truly hope not. Or is it too late for Rodion? That would be even worse!

I can’t wait to find out!

No rush on the articles, Dana. We’ll be here. ❤️

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