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Dostoevsky: Crime, Punishment, and the Mysterious Russian Soul with Vladimir Ivanov

Dostoevsky: Crime, Punishment, and the Mysterious Russian Soul with Vladimir Ivanov


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

No other figure in world literature came closer to understanding the depths of the human soul than Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-81). Born to poor parents, he was exiled as a young man to Siberia for liberal and atheistic thinking (a significant crime in the times of the tsars) and ended up becoming both one of the greatest novelists and also an incorrigible Russophile and ultraconservative Orthodox believer. "Crime and Punishment" is a turning point from where this sudden change in mind began.

This literary classic is set in the dirtiest and poorest area of slums and tenements in the very heart of imperial St Petersburg, in the decade following the emancipation of serfs in 1861. In this conversation, we will follow the protagonist of the novel, the student Raskolnikov, on his way to murder two innocent women. We will learn how Dostoevsky's text reflects the profound social processes of his time as well as philosophical issues discussed by other Russian authors, such as Pushkin and Gogol. Reading small pieces from this "ultimate St Petersburg novel", we will discover the peculiarities of the language of Dostoevsky who wraps psychoanalytical and spiritual parables in the form of a breathtaking detective (one of the first literature authors to do such a thing).

Led by St Petersburg linguist and art historian Vladimir Ivanov this seminar aims at making an introduction to the literary world Dostoevsky and “Crime and Punishment”, his major novel about St. Petersburg. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the golden age of Russian literature and places in St Petersburg connected with Dostoevsky and his characters.

Holding an MA in Classics, Vladimir is a published author, exhibition curator, and acclaimed Context Tour Guide. He has made several guest appearances on podcasts with topics connected to the History of the Russian Revolution – as well as Photography.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
73%
(8)
27%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
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C
C.J. Feinberg (Moraga, US)
Marvelous adventure!

Vladimir is so engaging, charming, passionate about his subject, so anxious to share his incredible understanding of all aspects of Dostoyevsky, his times, his influences, his writing, his philosophy etc. His talks inspire further interest in Russia, it's arts, history, etc.

J
John (Washington, US)

Guest did not leave comment

P
Patricia (Larkspur, US)
Well done

Vladimir gave a great presentation that inspired me to read Crime and Punishment as I plow my way through classic foreign literature during SIP because of COVID

n
norma s. (Houston, US)
Crime and Punishment

An excellent explanation of the underlying symbolism, themes, and settings of "Crime and Punishment" as well as a brief biography of its author.

C
Constance Avery-Clark (Delray Beach, US)
Dostoyevsky: Crime, Punishment, and the Mysterious Russian Soul

Excellent information, not just about the books but about the setting in St. Petersburg. Lecturer enthusiastic and clear has expert knowledge. Would have liked a little more info on the story itself.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
73%
(8)
27%
(3)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
C.J. Feinberg (Moraga, US)
Marvelous adventure!

Vladimir is so engaging, charming, passionate about his subject, so anxious to share his incredible understanding of all aspects of Dostoyevsky, his times, his influences, his writing, his philosophy etc. His talks inspire further interest in Russia, it's arts, history, etc.

J
John (Washington, US)

Guest did not leave comment

P
Patricia (Larkspur, US)
Well done

Vladimir gave a great presentation that inspired me to read Crime and Punishment as I plow my way through classic foreign literature during SIP because of COVID

n
norma s. (Houston, US)
Crime and Punishment

An excellent explanation of the underlying symbolism, themes, and settings of "Crime and Punishment" as well as a brief biography of its author.

C
Constance Avery-Clark (Delray Beach, US)
Dostoyevsky: Crime, Punishment, and the Mysterious Russian Soul

Excellent information, not just about the books but about the setting in St. Petersburg. Lecturer enthusiastic and clear has expert knowledge. Would have liked a little more info on the story itself.