Why I Read the Classics: Psychology of Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment is a psychologically taut study of the criminal mind. Raskolnikov, student in St. Petersburg, feels that he can pull off the perfect murder, that if it is well planned, no one can catch the criminal, and if the criminal feels no remorse, he can get away with it. Raskolnikov unravels throughout the rest of the novel. Crime and Punishment is a psychological thriller that appeals to modern sensibilities. It’s my favorite Dostoevsky book so far, and one of my favorite novels, so I had high hopes for The Idiot, another Dostoevsky novel.

Dostoevsky does not disappoint once again, although I did not like The Idiot. Again, a caricature of a man’s psyche is sketched by the author. Initially, Myshkin appears to be a noble soul that has a wisdom beyond his years. He is pulled into a web of dysfunction, and steadfastly clings to his illusion about the good of broken people, even though steady alternatives are presented to him. This ultimately leads to his downfall, his return to idiocy.

I can bring myself to find Myshkin foolish, but I can find no flaw in Dostoevsky’s portrayal of him.

Why should you read Dostoevsky? His books are long and full of moralizing, true. If you want to see how to do a psychological study, he’s your man. His characters are various shades of gray, and his world is seldom a happy one, but his characters are capable of great heroism, as well as deplorable acts, and the realism of their portrayal has jolted audible commentary out of this reader on several occasions.

Really, though. Read Crime and Punishment if you’re only going to read one.

Catherine

Author: Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump writes fiction for children and young adults. Her most recent book, The Vessel of Ra, is the first book in the Klaereon Scroll series. She is currently working on its sequel, as well as penning the middle grade adventures of Abigail Rath, monster hunter. View all posts by Catherine Schaff-Stump