For example, in their first meeting, "Raskolnikov's thoughts were in a whirl. He was in terrible exasperation." This condition results from the manner in which Petrovitch carries out the investigation. Petrovitch's unpredictability annoys Raskolnikov because he must always remain a step ahead of Petrovitch. Aware of Porfiry's tactics, Raskolnikov has to control his body language and maintain a level head in order to interact intelligently. Porfiry often presents Raskolnikov with common open-ended questions on the surface appearing as typical conversational exchanges. However, Raskolnikov must always think ahead of the question, finding the best possible answer in order to avoid suspicion. Hoping to corner him, Porfiry asks Raskolnikov if he believes in the New Jerusalem and more importantly converses about a comparison to Napoleon. These types of trick questions frustrate Raskolnikov in such a way that he falls deep into bitterness and anger and upon thinking about the manner in which they handle him, "He was shaking with rage." He realizes that has no way of the constant "cat and mouse" game he must play with Petrovitch.
Dostoevsky paints Raskolnikov as a character that despises anything in which he has no control, more specifically his own good judgment. According to the text, "What he dreaded above all was meeting that man again, he hated him with and intense, unmitigated hatred and was afraid his hatred might betray him" However, Raskonlikov allows his emotions to take control in the second meeting with Porfiry to the advantage of the detective. Approaching Raskolnikov with warm camaraderie, he tries to lessen tension while lowering Raskolnikov's defenses. Petrovitch does not want to make Raskolnikov feel comfortable, but instead cautious of the fact that he knows his secret. Raskolnikov feels the pressure while attempting to make each move with sleek calculation.
