While not embodying the "fantastic realism" that characterizes Fyodor Dostoevski's later works, The House of the Dead serves as a precursor to his more subjective and imaginative narratives, such as Notes from the Underground. Through its unconventional narrative structure and focus on themes of freedom, the novel offers a realistic exploration of Russian life, positioning itself against the Western influences infiltrating Russian culture. This approach lays the groundwork for Dostoevski's future literary endeavors, which delve into more introspective and fantastical realms.

The novel reflects a shift in Dostoevski's creative journey, moving away from the traditional style seen in earlier works like Poor Folk and from his earlier, somewhat radical political views. Instead, The House of the Dead marks the beginning of his mature style, which would later be fully realized in masterpieces such as Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, The Possessed, and The Brothers Karamazov. Although religion plays a minor role in this particular work, it subtly portrays a Christian ethos valuing the intrinsic worth of every individual, regardless of social status or past transgressions. Dostoevski's prison experiences deeply impacted him, leading him to affirm the profound truth of Christ, a belief he articulated in a letter to a friend in 1854.

The House of the Dead also signifies Dostoevski's triumphant return to the Russian literary scene after a twelve-year hiatus. Although it does not display the boldness or polish of his major novels or Notes from the Underground, the novel remains a critical piece for understanding Dostoevski's biography, historical context, and thematic development. It is an essential read for those studying his evolution as a writer and thinker.