Posted on 07/24/2013 10:35:16 PM PDT by Freelance Warrior
A Russian lawyer who is assisting fugitive US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden with his asylum request said Tuesday that he had brought Fyodor Dostoyevsky's 19-century classic novel "Crime and Punishment" to a meeting with him at a Moscow airport.
"I bought him Dostoyevsky’s "Crime and Punishment," because I think that he should read about Raskolnikov," lawyer Anatoly Kucherena, who arrived at Sheremetyevo airport Wednesday afternoon, said in an interview with Rossia 24 TV, referring to the novel's main character who repents after killing an elderly female pawnbroker and is sent to Siberia for punishment.
"I am not saying there is a similarity of their inner conflicts, but nevertheless, this world classic should be interesting for him," Kucherena said, adding he had also brought some works by another classic Russian author – Anton Chekhov – “to cheer him up.”
After the meeting Kucherena said in a separate interview with Rossia 24 that Snowden told him he would like to study Russian and travel around the country when he is allowed to leave the airport. The lawyer said that the American was smiling and said a few Russian words, including “hi,” “bye-bye” and “I will call you.”
(Excerpt) Read more at en.rian.ru ...
Nope.
Let’s see...murder vs. telling a nation that its government is turning its intelligence apparatus inward against the citizens. Nope.
By the way, did you read the book? I don't think Raskolnikov is your typical murderer. I don't want to give a lot away, but it's a little more complex than you might think.
Also, it was at times very funny. I think I almost choked laughing for a few scenes.
At this point, what does it matter? (oh, deja vu all over again)
This is all Kabuki of the finest genre. Pretense of bureaucratic dilemma, worthless paperwork, all of it.
Truth is Putin could let him in whenever he wants - just a silly ass game jockeying for something he wants from Idiot Obama.
Both yes and no. I had this piece as mandatory back in high school. That's why I wasn't much attracted and, secondly, the theme of Raskolnikov's moral struggle wasn't of much interest to a 15 y.o. boy.
Anyway, I'm acquainted enough with the plot to agree with you: Raskolnikov isn't a typical murderer.
What cheers you up reading Russian literature: Thinking, "hey, things could be much, much worse."
Try Chekhov short stories. There are full with humour, but I don't know if there are good translations. Translating comic items is the top difficult task.
Sadly, this one lost much in translation..
No Similarity at all...but it’s a rip-snortin’ Good Book, and will help pass time at the airport!
He probably should read Kafka’s “The Castle”
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