“ I punish myself for my whole life, my whole life I punish! ”
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov (1880). copy citation
| Author | Fyodor Dostoyevsky |
|---|---|
| Source | The Brothers Karamazov |
| Topic | punishment |
| Date | 1880 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Constance Garnett |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/28054/28054-h/28054-h.html |
Context
“«I haven't time for that. Let's drink at the Plotnikovs', in the back room. Shall I ask you a riddle?»
«Ask away.»
Mitya took the piece of paper out of his waistcoat pocket, unfolded it and showed it. In a large, distinct hand was written: «I punish myself for my whole life, my whole life I punish!»
[pg 452] «I will certainly speak to some one, I'll go at once,» said Pyotr Ilyitch, after reading the paper. «You won't have time, dear boy, come and have a drink. March!»
Plotnikov's shop was at the corner of the street, next door but one to Pyotr Ilyitch's.” source
«Ask away.»
Mitya took the piece of paper out of his waistcoat pocket, unfolded it and showed it. In a large, distinct hand was written: «I punish myself for my whole life, my whole life I punish!»
[pg 452] «I will certainly speak to some one, I'll go at once,» said Pyotr Ilyitch, after reading the paper. «You won't have time, dear boy, come and have a drink. March!»
Plotnikov's shop was at the corner of the street, next door but one to Pyotr Ilyitch's.” source
Meaning and analysis
