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Abstract:

The study examines Russian-language fanfiction that explores potential continuations of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment. Within the thematic corpus of fanfiction, the analysis distinguishes between local perspectives—secondary texts that develop specific elements of the primary text—and post-canons, fan-created narratives centered around the novel’s epilogue. A noticeable imbalance is observed, as post-canonical essays are rarely produced, reflecting the infrequent re-reading of Crime and Punishment by contemporary students. Instead, fanfiction often focuses on local perspectives, sometimes limited to onomastic parallels, which stems from a broader trend of non-(re)reading of Dostoevsky’s work. The article highlights that fanfiction authors frequently engage with provocative themes, particularly in the genre of “missing scenes.” In cases where these scenes correspond to a “curtain scene,” fanfiction writers often adopt a cynical approach to the characters of Crime and Punishment. When such direct comparisons are not feasible, opportunities arise for young “book enthusiasts”—those capable of engaging with classical texts without succumbing to the distortions of “clip thinking.” The study argues for incorporating the writing of post-canonical essays based on Dostoevsky’s novel into the creative assignments for tenth-grade students. This practice is justified by its potential to increase students’ motivation to read, foster their engagement in a creative dialogue with the original work, and encourage a more thoughtful and responsible approach to literature and language.

Keywords: Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment, reflection, fan creativity, fanfiction, fanfic, fandom, ficwriter, post-canon.