But that’s kind of the rub; it’s never actually confusing. In context of the story it’s very clear when somebody is addressing Raskolnikov, even if they’re using a nickname or a name you’re not entirely familiar with. It’s like when you hear somebody has a nickname in real life. You might not know why they have that nickname, but you know that nickname is theirs.
I read the book, unless you’re already familiar with Russian naming conventions you’re going to go “wait who the fuck are they talking about” over and over, and if you’re not familiar with Russian naming conventions and claim otherwise you’re simply lying to me
I don’t know what to tell you, I too read the book and had no such issues. I thought it was very clear when they’re talking about Raskolnikov or his sister or the inspector or the landlady or anybody, and I don’t speak any Russian. You just had to trust things would become clear in time with context.
It is not that difficult, because there are contexts to each use, and they are consistent between characters as well.
It is not always easy as well, but if you have the attention span to read Dosteyevski, you have it to remember some naming conventions as well.
But that’s kind of the rub; it’s never actually confusing. In context of the story it’s very clear when somebody is addressing Raskolnikov, even if they’re using a nickname or a name you’re not entirely familiar with. It’s like when you hear somebody has a nickname in real life. You might not know why they have that nickname, but you know that nickname is theirs.
I read the book, unless you’re already familiar with Russian naming conventions you’re going to go “wait who the fuck are they talking about” over and over, and if you’re not familiar with Russian naming conventions and claim otherwise you’re simply lying to me
also it’s not just Raskolnikov
I don’t know what to tell you, I too read the book and had no such issues. I thought it was very clear when they’re talking about Raskolnikov or his sister or the inspector or the landlady or anybody, and I don’t speak any Russian. You just had to trust things would become clear in time with context.
Everyone’s brain works different
Yeah I think that’s what it comes down to.
You have a point in that the characters are very vivid and distinct/individual
but I think it’s fair to say most people will experience at least mild confusion a few times with the cast of characters
It is not that difficult, because there are contexts to each use, and they are consistent between characters as well. It is not always easy as well, but if you have the attention span to read Dosteyevski, you have it to remember some naming conventions as well.