Should You Read "The Honest Thief" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky?

August 29, 2024

Fyodor Dostoyevsky is known for his timeless writings on society, religion, morality, ethics, and politics. His works continue to be taught in classrooms and inspire various art forms. 

His short story "The Honest Thief" (1848) may not be his magnum opus like Crime and Punishment, but it is still an interesting piece exploring sin and redemption. The story begins with the narrator listening to a story told by a lodger, Astafy Ivanovich after a thief steals the narrator's coat and Ivanovich fails to stop him. He recounts the tale of Emelyan Ilyitch, a homeless alcoholic who met Ivanovich and developed a sympathetic relationship. The story is told like a story within a story, and the plot doesn't evolve considerably. However, I found these techniques to make the author's themes resonate strongly with the reader. 

The story resonated with me more than many of Dostoyevsky's other works because of the characters' complex psychological states and personalities. The story had more depth and analysis than I had expected. By the end, we see Ivanovich and Ilyitch become different people. 

Ilyitch's change is more obvious as he ultimately confesses to stealing the riding breeches. His confession, whether from religious guilt before dying or a guilty plea for forgiveness, shows his remorse, which may have potentially resulted because of the relationship he built with Ivanovich. 

Ivanovich's change, however, is less obvious. Ivanovich was sympathetic towards Ilyitch from the beginning, but this sympathy only grew fonder once he developed a relationship and saw his quietness and deplorability. Even Ilyitch's drunkenness and actions could not overshadow his innate calm and solemn nature, ultimately causing Ivanovich to feel sorry for him. Ilyitch's pitiful character creates a sense of innocence and dependence on his identity that even when he confesses to the crime, the reader cannot help but feel sympathetic.

Ilyitch's honesty is confusing and serves as the oxymoron of the story's title. It makes the reader question their feelings towards him and how they would characterize his identity. 

Does Ilyitch's theft make him a bad person, especially when viewed through the eyes of a sympathetic narrator who ultimately forgives him? Dostoyevsky's "The Honest Thief" is layered with themes of religion and redemption, reflecting the author's cultural and temporal context. In 19th-century Russia, deeply influenced by Orthodox Christianity, sin and repentance were significant moral concepts. The story parallels the religious notion of a sinner's path to redemption, suggesting that even those who falter can seek forgiveness and spiritual salvation. This idea is underscored in Ilyitch's final moments, where he approaches a "final confession." As he is described as "going into the light," it evokes a powerful image of spiritual cleansing and redemption. It also reflects these themes by exploring how even those who commit morally questionable acts can possess an inherent sense of honesty and integrity.

In today's fast-paced world, while the emphasis on learning often drives us toward non-fiction, it's crucial not to overlook the irreplaceable value of fiction. Fiction allows us to delve into the complexities of human nature, offering insights into ourselves, others, and the societies we inhabit. Reading Dostoyevsky's exploration of moral dilemmas, redemption, and inner conflict provides a depth of understanding that a psychology textbook may only touch on, encouraging introspection and empathy essential for personal growth and understanding.