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Author Topic: Crime and Punishment or Brothers Karamozov  (Read 2946 times)
mrbungle

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« on: May 20, 2004, 09:19:01 PM »
I'm fairly new to the literay world of Dostoyesky. After reading a pithy biography on the renowned author,  I decided to pick up his two greater known works, Crime and Punishment, and The Brothers Karamazov.  
I 'm  wondering if there is any sugestions from experianced D readers on which one I should begin with or if it even matters.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2004, 10:29:51 PM by mrbungle » Logged
Zosima

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« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2004, 10:50:29 AM »
Not that I account myself an expert, but I noticed on the back of the Andrew MacAndrew translation of the Brothers K that D was quoted as saying that in his last novel he had expressed himself completely.  So, to understand how all his works culminate in the Bros K it might be beneficial to read the others first.
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Lev

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« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2004, 08:18:34 AM »
I think it would be a good idea to start with The Notes from the Underground and then work up through Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, Demons, and then The Brothers. You can grow with him by reading them in order. There are so many themes that he returns to and develops. The idea is that by the time you reach The Brothers Karamazov you will be familiar with many of these concepts and will be able to draw from your experience. I'm sure you could find all of these at your library... but if you can, go ahead and buy them all Smiley. It's great to read him for the first time. There's nothing like the first impressions! Let us know how it goes...
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« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2004, 09:23:07 PM »
I would definitely recommend reading Crime and Punishment before reading the Brothers Karamazov, if the choice is between those two.  

They are both masterpieces.  Everybody should read both.  But if you can read only one, read Crime and Punishment.  It will prepare you for the Brothers Karamazov.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2004, 09:10:43 PM by Paavo » Logged
Mitya

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« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2004, 11:08:04 AM »
I'd choose Crime and Punishment as an intro to D (though I read TBK first and suffered no ill effects.). It's a bit more straightforward, and it's very thrilling.
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Ivan

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« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2004, 09:18:51 PM »
I agree with Mitya on this one, start with Crime and Punishment and then move on to others like Notes From Underground and the Brothers K.
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axon
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« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2004, 09:02:34 PM »
check out some other threads about the suggestions on how to start to read D. My personall suggestion, out of the two titles, it to read Crime and Punishment first....
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Rinehart
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« Reply #7 on: June 13, 2004, 07:25:47 PM »
Start with The Adolescent.
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axon
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« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2004, 07:26:11 AM »
>> Start with The Adolescent.

that's nice  Roll Eyes can you give some concrete reasons as to why?
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A man must stand in fear of just those things
  that truly have the power to do us harm,
  of nothing else, for nothing else is fearsome.
-Dante's Inferno,  C2 88-90
Rinehart
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« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2004, 02:48:56 PM »
It's an easier read than C&P and The Brothers Karamasoff. If I was a beginner I wouldn't start with the most complex stuff.
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Mogwai
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« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2004, 06:13:11 PM »
Quote from: Rinehart on June 14, 2004, 02:48:56 PM
It's an easier read than C&P and The Brothers Karamasoff. If I was a beginner I wouldn't start with the most complex stuff.

While that sounds logical, I don't think length necessarily corresponds with complexity.  Dostoevsky's works are all rather complex in nature and really aren't for the 'Harry Potter readers' out there.  I think Crime and Punishment is a great introduction to Dostoevsky - it's not the most complex of his works but it is quite high in entertainment value.  

However, I haven't read The Adolescent yet so I can't really say you're right or wrong.  Wink
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Mogwai
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« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2004, 06:15:07 PM »
By the way, welcome to the forum, Rinehart!  Smiley
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"Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee." -Charles Wesley
Rinehart
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« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2004, 06:21:30 PM »
Quote from: Fyodor on June 14, 2004, 06:13:11 PM



While that sounds logical, I don't think length necessarily corresponds with complexity.  Dostoevsky's works are all rather complex in nature and really aren't for the 'Harry Potter readers' out there.  I think Crime and Punishment is a great introduction to Dostoevsky - it's not the most complex of his works but it is quite high in entertainment value.  

However, I haven't read The Adolescent yet so I can't really say you're right or wrong.  Wink


I didn't refer to the length of Raw Youth. It's just not as difficult as C&P and TBK
« Last Edit: June 14, 2004, 06:22:32 PM by Rinehart » Logged
Rinehart
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« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2004, 06:22:47 PM »
Quote from: Fyodor on June 14, 2004, 06:15:07 PM
By the way, welcome to the forum, Rinehart!  Smiley

thanks  Wink
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Mogwai
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« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2004, 09:54:37 PM »
Rinehart, you might want to get a smaller avatar pic.  The one you have is too big...
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"Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee." -Charles Wesley
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