1. Consider the proposition that fundamentally Raskolnikov progresses from the adherence to theory and ignorance of self to knowledge of self and rejection of theory. 2. What does Dostoevsky gain artistically by representing Sonya as a prostitute? What biblical character did he likely have in mind? 3. Choose the incidents […]
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1. What concepts of Law are prominent in Crime and Punishment? What new legal techniques and psychological methods does Porfiry employ? 2. What concepts of Christianity are prominent in Crime and Punishment? Why didn’t Raskolnikov read the story of Lazarus himself or why did he ask Sonya to read it […]
Read more Study Help Essay QuestionsStudy Help Full Glossary for Crime and Punishment
“Ach, mein Gott!” “Oh my God!” Dostoevsky uses both the German phrase and a humorous type of German speech pattern for the purpose of satirizing the landlady and satirizing Germans in general. Berg A stunt person who entertained people by ascending in a balloon. Later in this chapter, Svidrigailov pretends […]
Read more Study Help Full Glossary for Crime and PunishmentCritical Essays The Ubermensch or Extraordinary Man Theories
Raskolnikov’s theories about the ordinary man versus the extraordinary man are often blurred and indistinct in his own mind. If one is to assume that the crime was committed in order to prove a theory, then the flaws in the crime indicate the flaws or incompleteness of the theory. If […]
Read more Critical Essays The Ubermensch or Extraordinary Man TheoriesCritical Essays The Redemptive Characters: Sonya and Porfiry
In spite of his crime, Raskolnikov is worth redeeming and therefore since Raskolnikov is a dual personality, Dostoevsky also felt the need of creating two additional characters who, taken separately, represent the two opposing aspects of his nature. Thus, Sonya is the warm human, compassionate, charitable aspect of Raskolnikov’s character. […]
Read more Critical Essays The Redemptive Characters: Sonya and PorfiryCritical Essays Raskolnikov: A Dual or Split Personality
Prior to this novel, Dostoevsky had used characters whose personalities were dual ones. However, it is not until this novel that he exposes the reader to a full study of the split personality. Raskolnikov’s dual personality is the controlling idea behind the murder and behind his punishment. Raskolnikov is used […]
Read more Critical Essays Raskolnikov: A Dual or Split PersonalityFyodor Dostoevsky Biography
Personal Background Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky was born in 1821, the second of seven children, and lived until 1881. His father, an army doctor attached to the staff of a public hospital, was a stern and self-righteous man while his mother was the opposite — passive, kind, and generous — and […]
Read more Fyodor Dostoevsky BiographyCharacter Analysis Porfiry Petrovitch
Whereas Svidrigailov was working for the gratification of the self, Porfiry is working for the betterment of mankind or, more limited, for the greatness of the Slavic world that needs talented and intelligent young people. Porfiry is a person who believes that Russia is destined to become the great nation […]
Read more Character Analysis Porfiry PetrovitchCharacter Analysis Arkady Svidrigailov
Svidrigailov has one function in life — to satisfy his sensual desires. To do so often takes strange ways and means. He represents a type of “Ubermensch,” or extraordinary man. This type feels that the world is essentially an evil place; therefore to be in tune with this universe, one […]
Read more Character Analysis Arkady SvidrigailovCharacter Analysis Sonya Semyonova Marmeladov
Sonya functions in the novel as one aspect of Raskolnikov’s character and also as the “passive redemptive” figure. She is the meek and self-submissive figure. Her function is to help redeem Raskolnikov, but her redemptive role is a passive one. This means that she does little in an active way […]
Read more Character Analysis Sonya Semyonova Marmeladov