11.07.06
Only the first blossoming
At this point in the book (Crime and Punishment) Raskolnikov, or Sam as we will call him, has received a letter from his mother describing his sisters upcoming marriage. Sam is infuriated because the guy is clearly a prick and his Mom and Sister are blind to it because of the wealth and security that he can offer. Sam takes issue with the fact that the husband to be will not pay his brides way to see him, he will only pay for the bags – bags that may be included anyway in the fare she will have to pay in order to come. The man is wealthy and he knows she is poor but he feels this is more fair. Sam, fuming with murderous thoughts towards the man thinks to himself.
“How is it that they don’t both see all that, or is it that they don’t want to see? And they are pleased, pleased! And to think this is only the first blossoming, and that the real fruits are to come.”
I love this. Sam rightly observes, in my opinion noting I have not read the rest of the book, that this beginning holds nothing but a sorrowful end. The beginning of a relationship is the “blossom” because the man and woman are still putting on a show for one another, trying to impress each other. This blossom will fade with time and reveal the true fruit of the relationship. This is normal and not universally condemned here (unlike many in our time who are constantly trying to recreate the blossom when marriage is really more about fruit, to keep the illustration going) but his point is well made. If this is how he treats his wife when their relationship is still fresh and new how much worse will living with such a man be. If he can not offer such a small consideration for her affection and comfort now how much more stingy will the rest of life with him be. If he cannot care for her now why should she have hope when they are wed? Perfect.
Kameron said,
November 8, 2006 at 8:07 am
I am not much of a fiction reader, so thank you for sharing the highlights — it makes me want to read more!
As for your quote, it’s a great reminder that we are constantly “becoming” a certain kind of person. Our present choices solidify our character. As Dallas Willard said, “We are becoming the kind of people we will be for all of enternity.”
Thanks for sharing, I love hearing your thoughts!
Mishonnie said,
November 8, 2006 at 10:09 am
Doesn’t read fiction…??? /grumble grumble
what else IS THERE!???!?!
Anyways…I wonder though (I haven’t read this book) how does it turn out? Is the guy so much more worse? As that image does hold true most of the time (blossom then into the fruit)…sometimes I think you can see the fruit right away, for better or for worse…I have met the people that refuse to put on a mask, and I have met others who are to oblivious to do so…these are rare, though. Adam put on a mask when I first met him. He acted all hip and cool, then I found out he played with yoyos, wore flannel, and liked Steve…severe let down.
Steven K said,
November 8, 2006 at 11:25 am
anything about Steve that can be formerly or in the future pointed at or suggested to as being “nerdy,” “uncool” or any derogatory phrase or word including, but not limited to “loser” or “fool” are all and have always been because of and in reference to my mask (”mask”). Sorry, I’ve been reading legal documents all morning.
Adam B. said,
November 8, 2006 at 12:34 pm
Lonnie,
I live for cool. I have tried to give up flannel but, when I leave the house each day, there it is on my back again like a parasite sucking my coolness.
Steven K said,
November 8, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Unless it’s one of the flannels I gave you. There’s no way around the fact that those are sweet.
non-ninja brian (AKA Brian Relph) said,
November 9, 2006 at 3:57 pm
I wore flannels all the time in 7th grade. Then I discovered the hoodie – my life was forever changed.
Ninrai said,
November 10, 2006 at 9:53 am
I never got into flannels, but I did once wear hoodies. In the end i decided i would just wear t-shirts and sweaters.
Anyways, who says flannels aren’t cool?
aaron said,
November 10, 2006 at 2:35 pm
flannels aren’t cool.
This is just an excuse to bug Adam again to link to me.
Editor’s note:
Aaron, you are linked under the “Moments” link on my blogroll that can be seen on my main page.