Q 01/05

In which literary journal was Crime and Punishment first published, in twelve monthly instalments?

A) Notes of the Fatherland

B) The Russian Messenger

C) The Contemporary

D) Epoch

Answer · why

B) The Russian Messenger

The same journal was the outlet for Turgenev and Tolstoy; Dostoevsky had never published in it before, having feuded with its editor in the early 1860...

Q 02/05

In which year did the serialised novel run from January to December?

A) 1866

B) 1890

C) 1880

D) 1872

Answer · why

A) 1866

The first part appeared in the January issue and the last in December, and Dostoevsky was writing under intense deadline pressure the whole way.

Q 03/05

Before dropping out, what subject had Raskolnikov been studying?

A) Law

B) Medicine

C) Engineering

D) Theology

Answer · why

A) Law

His loyal friend from university had studied the same subject, and their shared background gives the pair's arguments about crime a professional edge.

Q 04/05

What weapon does Raskolnikov steal to carry out the murder?

A) A knife

B) A hammer

C) A pistol

D) An axe

Answer · why

D) An axe

He takes it from the caretaker's room in his own building, one of many small strokes of luck that let him get in and out unseen.

Q 05/05

What is the trade of the old woman Raskolnikov plans to rob and kill?

A) Pawnbroker

B) Innkeeper

C) Seamstress

D) Midwife

Answer · why

A) Pawnbroker

He first visits her flat on the pretext of leaving a watch as security, a dry run that lets him study the layout.