Dostoyevsky’s Life
Dostoyevsky was a prolific Russian writer famous for his insightful and critical look at both society and human nature. The man became widely known within Russia and overseas with the translation of his many novels. To this day, Dostoyevsky’s works are discussed, adapted and studied through the popular lens. Dostoevsky had a turbulent and varied life, filled with different hardships. From an early age, he lost both his mother and father, relying on his own skills and competencies to live (Notable Biographies). Dostoevsky’s life was filled with uncertainty, having to live with little money to support himself and his family (Notable Biographies). The man’s relationships with others, particularly his first wife and his lover, were also quite turbulent (Notable Biographies). Dostoyevsky appeared to be deeply troubled by his nation’s political and economic spheres, joining a radical political movement in response. The action led him to spend years in prison, where both his unique outlook on life and literary skill were polished. From an analytical perspective, it can be said that the author’s novels were a reflection of his own life and the many observations he made in it. Many experiences of Dostoyevsky and the people around him informed the narratives of his famous novels. Themes of human nature, poverty, crime and religion feature heavily, highlighting the prominence of these topics in his own time (“Themes in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s writings”). In the case of Dostoyevsky, it is difficult to separate an author’s life from their work, as it deeply influenced the way the man wrote. This piece will argue that understanding Dostoyevsky’s life is crucial to interpreting his work.
Artistic Interpretation of Dostoyevsky’s Works
Artistic interpretation is an act inherent to the process of reading a work of literature. When a person reads stories, they understand the meaning of words, their sequence and significance in their own unique way. From this process stems the process of interpretation, leading each reader to make certain conclusions about the work they engage with. Any work of art can have numerous interpretations depending on the themes present in it, the social circumstances surrounding that work, and other information a reader possesses. Much similar to that, an artistic interpretation can be influenced by knowing an author’s life. In many cases, writers draw inspiration from subjects they are familiar with, making the daily struggles of life a perfect theme for writing. Even in cases where an author chooses to depict a wholly alien to them scenario, their perception shapes how they discuss it. The impact of a person’s experience on crafting a piece of writing is immeasurable, and the reader can either choose to ignore it or actively incorporate it into their understanding of art. In the case of Dostoevsky, understanding the man’s life can help the audience better relate to his character, notice the emergent and recurring themes of his novels, and understand their importance. Recognition of the writer’s character then becomes a crucial tool for interpreting their work. While many pieces of literature can be understood without knowing the context behind their creation, it can be argued that Dostoyevsky’s life had too big of an influence on his work to truly separate the two. It may be impossible to fully appreciate the social commentary present in works such as Idiot or Crime and Punishment without realizing the broader personal, social and economic background they work under.
How Dostoyevsky’s Novels Frame the Struggles of His Life
In Crime and Punishment, one of Dostoyevsky’s breakout novels, the main character is struggling to survive in poverty. His living conditions are oppressive, much like the city around him, and there are no potential ways for him to better his conditions. A desire to change his life then prompts the young protagonist to cross the moral threshold and commit murder. While the act gives Raskolnikov the much-needed financial security, it does not significantly alter his life, instead driving the man into a guilt-ridden miserable existence. The book demonstrates both the most extreme effects poverty can have on an individual and the impact religion has on helping them live a better life. The specific choice of love and religion as the central points of the hero’s moral recovery is reflective of the importance these things had to Dostoevsky. He was an especially religious man, and Christianity can be seen among the most persistent themes in his writing. Poverty is another aspect of Dostoyevsky’s life that played a large role in his writing. Poor Folk, Crime and Punishment, and Idiot all dealt with the subject of poverty, which was intimately known by the author. From his personal experience and keep observation, Dostoyevsky knew how poverty could bring out the worst in people, push them towards destructive behavior and worsen their life. Similar to his characters being involved in shady business, gambling and alcohol, Dostoyevsky himself cheated on his wife and gambled his money away. The struggles felt by the characters in his novels are a reflection of Russian society and the author’s lived experience (“New Perspective: Exploring Poverty in Russia Through Literature”). Therefore, it is impossible to separate real life and man’s writings from one another.
Works Cited
“A New Perspective: Exploring Poverty in Russia Through Literature.” The Borgen Project, 2019, Web.
Notable Biographies. “Fyodor Dostoevsky Biography.” Notable Biographies, Web.
“Themes in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s writings.” Google Arts & Culture, Web.