Crime and Punishment

Editorial Design

The typographic treatment of this version of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment reflects Heidegger’s existential philosophy. By analysing the varying positioning of the characters in the text, the project suggests that the layout symbolises different modes of existence (Dasein) and the characters’ relationship to the world.

Dostoevsky’s exploration of moral and existential dilemmas anticipates Heidegger’s later philosophical inquiries into authenticity and being. This project connects their ideas, proposing that the main character’s prominent placement on the page mirrors his direct confrontation with existence, aligning with Heidegger’s concepts of being-in-the-world. In the novel’s final chapter, a shift to a more traditional layout represents the main character’s journey toward self-discovery and reconciliation with his existence.

The book’s dimensions of 130mm x 250mm are deliberately chosen to reflect the main character’s perception of himself as exceptional and distinct from society. Just as Raskolnikov views himself as set apart due to his philosophical and moral struggles, the unconventional size of the book mirrors this sense of uniqueness. The taller, narrower format allows the book to stand out visually on a shelf, symbolising Raskolnikov’s heightened, yet isolated, confrontation with existence—a physical embodiment of his belief in being set apart from others.

The page margins are crafted to enhance the book’s distinctiveness. The narrow top and outside margins create a sleek, modern look, while the wider inside and bottom margins ensure the content feels spacious and considered. This design choice, like the book’s unconventional dimensions, reinforces the idea of standing out visually and conceptually. The layout not only draws attention but also gives a sense of balance, further highlighting the uniqueness of the text and its main character.

The omnipresent narrator is presented in a frontal position, symbolising a broad, objective view of the narrative. This reflects the narrator’s comprehensive awareness and control over the plot and characters.

The main character, is asserting his presence in the world, standing out, or confronting existence more directly. This reflects the idea of Dasein as a being that is aware of and engaged with its own existence.

Other characters, are seen from the perspective of the main character as being less “present” or less significant in the existential sense. They could be perceived as more embedded in the world, less distinct, or less self-aware.

The scenic director role is represented by more indented text, offering detailed, intimate insights into the characters’ internal states and struggles, and guiding small actions within the narrative.