Senior Thesis additional comments

[mattypants]

Ok all, here goes...

I'm currently a senior undergrad at a private liberal arts university working on my senior thesis. Below is my senior thesis proposal:

As a natural tendency, many humans conform to society and its accepted ways of thinking. Various authors throughout history use literature or other outlets to demonstrate the values and philosophies that have been created and accepted as well as values and philosophies that threaten the normal. Writers, most evidently in the mid nineteenth century, have introduced and created characters that are driven by ideas instead of the conformed social behaviors. Fyodor Dostoevsky is one such author who created and introduced revolutionary, intellectual, and self-destructive characters in his works to show and/or possibly criticize the alternative, although not necessarily accepted, philosophies. As the reader, though, we see many different interpretations of Dostoevsky both in the present and at the time of original publication. These varying interpretations are helpful in understanding not only Dostoevsky’s drive to write, but also each period’s reception of the novel and how each has its own vastly different response to Dostoevsky.

Dostoesvky’s Crime and Punishment was well-received when first published in 19th century Russia, and is now seen as a morally dark novel and taught as such. Why, though, has there been a shift from being sought after to being scarcely taught in the public school system? Readers in 19th century Russia recognized Dostoevsky’s social, revolutionary, and Populist attacks, but still sought his work for its unmatched artistry and realistic characters. Today, though, Crime and Punishment is hardly taught, and when it is, it’s treated with such caution that the socialist, revolutionary, and Populist views are overlooked. I’m going to be examining why there’s such a shift in reader response to this novel from communist/socialist 19th century Russia to democratic 21st century American society and why there’s a difference in outlook and treatment of Crime and Punishment.


So yeah...any responses would help (since you are the reader/s that I'm seeking out). Responses could range from what you think of the novel, how you received this novel (critical reception), and any thoughts on why it's not widely taught.

Thanks!

[Gladys]

Responses could range from what you think of the novel, how you received this novel (critical reception), and any thoughts on why it's not widely taught.

I found the novel negative, dark and oppressive beyond belief, although Sonia does her best to lighten it. The crucial contrast between Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov was too subtle for me, on a first read, despite my solid background in existential philosophy.

The novel has some similarity with Macbeth, which is rather popular in schools, but lacks it's overtly 'happy' ending.

[prendrelemick]

Even if its themes are ageless or radical or alternative or whatever, a novel must age. It will become less relevent, or should I say less effective in conveying its philosophies, to a modern readership. I think this is inevitable. The situation and society that produced Raskolnikov et al, has gone. Other aspects of older books begin to overshadow the philosophy within them, ie their value as historical documentary and often, (though not so much with Crime and Punishment,) their value to the reader as nostalgic triggers. These are traits that are considered less valuable in the teaching of Literature and philosophy.

By the way I enjoyed reading the book mainly because of the quality of the writing.