Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.32728/tab.21.2024.3

Thematic motif of money in the novels by F. M. Dostoevsky

Galina Romanova ; Moskovsko gradsko sveučilište, Rusija

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Abstract

The analysis of one of the most frequent thematic motifs – the motif of money, allows not only to look at literary classics from the current point of view, but also to present a system of literary concepts used in the analysis of works, and to become more clearly aware of the boundary between literature and reality. The example of Dostoevsky’s novels (mainly „Crime and Punishment“, „Idiot“,
„The Brothers Karamazov“) shows the formation of the meaning of the „money“ motif and its stable content in Russian literature. In Dostoevsky’s novels, money appears and disappears spontaneously; most often it is distributed randomly and unfairly, according to its own incomprehensible laws. Money is not the equivalent of labor here, as it is impossible to earn a living by honest labour; it arises in the form of a rich inheritance, or as a result of deceit, theft, and usury. In this world, human qualities and deeds have their price - literally and figuratively. Monetary interest becomes the basis of plot and conflict. In the denouement, thanks to the unexpected appearance of significant sums of money, almost hopeless situations are resolved. The theme of money refers to the motifs of begging, usury, theft, debt (embezzlement), which corresponds to the literary tradition. Money has not only value, but also, and this is much more importantly for Dostoevsky’s world, moral and ethical significance.

Keywords

F. M. Dostoevsky; novels; thematic motive; the world of the literary work

Hrčak ID:

321206

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/321206

Publication date:

3.10.2024.

Article data in other languages: russian croatian

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