Throughout Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoyevsky creates Raskolnikov, a complex main character whose actions are driven by two very different sides of his personality. Raskolnikov believes himself to be superior to most other people, even though he is poor and lives a life of degradation. This feeling of superiority transforms him into a completely self-interested individual and causes him to be alienated from almost everyone in his world. Raskolnikov's complete self-absorption is shown at the very beginning, as the narrator states that, "he had plunged so far within himself that he feared meeting anyone at all." (pg.1) The reader learns of Raskolnikov's plan to commit some sort of senseless crime, one that is unspecified until later on in chapter 1. As Raskolnikov walks down the street toying with the idea of whether to commit the murder or not, his self-involvement allows him to not be embarrassed about the way he is dressed, or the way he is acting. R is so involved with his thoughts that he "walked on without noticing his environment." (pg. 2) It is R's feeling that he is above society and its laws that allow him to commit murder. R states, "The old woman was a mistake perhaps, but she's not the point! it wasn't a human being I killed, it was a principle! - (pg. 264) He feels that being able to successfully murder without feeling guilty, being able to intellectualize an immoral act, will prove that he is above mediocrity and morality.
However alienated Raskolnikov seems to be, he continually makes sacrifices for strangers. These self-sacrifices are in complete contrast to his self-involvement, and add to the peculiarity of his character. For example, Raskolnikov helps a young girl who is being stalked by Svdrigailov, a man whom readers get to know a lot better later on in the novel. After fending off Svdirgailov, Raskolnikov "fumbled in his pocket and dug out twenty kopecks he found there.
Sacrifice between Raskolnikov and Sonia. ... Raskolnikov is summarized as being intelligent and moody. ... Raskolnikov despises her behaviour along with her very existence. ... Raskolnikov armed with no conscience and a utilitarian mentality, he murders Aliona. ... Because of her forgivness, she is the one who Raskolnikov feels he can confide in. ...
He uses an ironic, mocking tone when he speaks to Raskolnikov, which reminds us of the arrogance Raskolnikov himself shows other people. ... More importantly, she listens to Raskolnikov without passing judgment. ... By the novel's resolution, Sonia is Raskolnikov's savior. ... Porfiry is certain of Raskolnikov's guilt and leads him into confession. Similarly, Raskolnikov's love interest, Sonia play an important role in portraying Raskolnikov as a split character. ...
Most of this insight relies upon Raskolnikov's fear. ... Through his own paranoia, Raskolnikov opens himself to the traps of capture. ... For example, in their first meeting, "Raskolnikov's thoughts were in a whirl. ... Approaching Raskolnikov with warm camaraderie, he tries to lessen tension while lowering Raskolnikov's defenses. ... In a fit of hysteria, Raskolnikov lets his guilt speak for itself. ...
Through use of an article Raskolnikov writes in the newspaper, the antagonist of the story becomes aware of Raskolnikov's justifications. ... "Quite possibly," answered Raskolnikov." ... Raskolnikov's plan had two sides to it. ... Raskolnikov's feelings of superiority made him loath social interactions. ... Dostoevsky introduces Raskolnikov's close friend, Razumikhin, to show the extension of Raskolnikov's isolation. ...
Crime and Punishment The story begins with a guy named Raskolnikov. ... This all upsets Raskolnikov and he goes out to wander the streets. ... Raskolnikov was shocked to hear his own ideas being discussed. ... At this, Raskolnikov responds, You believed me, didn't you? ... Raskolnikov gives Katherine his last twenty rubl...
Raskolnikov rattles his brain with numerous overwhelming thoughts of guilt, pride, and even arrogance. ... After Raskolnikov tells Sonia the details of his horrid crime, he asks what action he should take. ... Sonia knows that Raskolnikov has suffered greatly just by his physical condition and mentality. ... It is also in his tomb where Porfiry Petrovitch, a detective, discloses that he knows Raskolnikov is indeed the murderer; Raskolnikov's insane personality then "dies" upon hearing that he has been revealed. Dostoevsky was certainly correct in his description of Raskolnikov's ...
Raskolnikov rattles his brain with numerous overwhelming thoughts of guilt, pride, and even arrogance. ... After Raskolnikov tells Sonia the details of his horrid crime, he asks what action he should take. ... Sonia knows that Raskolnikov has suffered greatly just by his physical condition and mentality. ... It is also in his tomb where Porfiry Petrovitch, a detective, discloses that he knows Raskolnikov is indeed the murderer; Raskolnikov's insane personality then "dies" upon hearing that he has been revealed. Dostoevsky was certainly correct in his description of Raskolnikov's ...
Initially, Raskolnikov's conflict is whether or not he should murder the pawnbroker. ... The characterization of Raskolnikov differs from how he wants to see himself. ... However, Raskolnikov's murderous act, and his failure to confess, prove his "superman" theory wrong. ... In Crime and Punishment, the cross symbolizes Raskolnikov's "sacrifice" to confess to his sins. Raskolnikov's conflicts shape the novel. ...
They debate whether Raskolnikov's motives justified his actions. ... Raskolnikov places himself in the category of being an extraordinary man. ... Raskolnikov believed he had a lot to contribute to society. ... In a sense, Raskolnikov is playing God. ... Raskolnikov even realized the evil in his actions by the end of the story. ...
