The image of wet snow in F. Dostoyevsky’s works «Crime and punishment» and «Notes from the underground»

Abstract

Aim. This article is dedicated to the explication of the meaning and functions of the wet snow image in the works by F. Dostoevsky «Crime and Punishment» and «Notes from the Underground».

Methods. The following methods were used for this study: structural-semiotic, contextual analysis, statistical method, descriptive-stylistic, as well as elements of biographical, historical-literary, and intertextual research.

Results. The received results of this study refute the commonly-held point of view that F. Dostoyevsky doesn’t include landscape scenes or nature descriptions in his works. The characters’ perception of nature in his works is specific, and it plays an important role during the turning points over the course of the narrative. The image of wet snow serves as a unique marker of the «breaking point» in a character’s worldview. In «Crime and Punishment», this detail can be found in the memories of the novel’s protagonist – Rodion Raskolnikov. It’s noted that wet snow represents an ambivalent phenomenon that directly correlates with the earthly and heavenly origins of humanity.

Scientific novelty. The article gives a detailed analysis of the image of wet snow in the works of F. Dostoevsky was performed. It’s noted that the realm of nature occupies an important place in the artistic world picture of the writer. A landscape image is a symbolic key that allows better understanding the inner world of a character.

Pactical significance. The results of the analysis can be used to further study the literary works of F. Dostoevsky.