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Raskolnikov


" (pg. 47) Even though Raskolnikov is poor, and barely has enough money to support himself, he is willing to give all of his money over to a strange girl. At the same time that he is able to commit cruel acts, he is also able to help someone in need. Raskolnikov helps out Marmeladov, an acquaintance whom he met in a tavern. After a horse and carriage maul Marmeladov, Raskolnikov tries to help by yelling, "Somebody get a doctor! I"ll pay!" (pg. 170) He assists the policemen in bringing Marmeladov to his family. This kind action reveals Raskolnikov's heart, and sets up a strong contrast to his seemingly cold, callous, and self-interested attitude towards life. In Part III, chapter 2 of Crime and Punishment, Razuminkhin describes Raskolnikov to Dounia and Pulcheria as having "two diametrically opposed characters living in him, each taking charge of him in turn." This is revealed through his actions in Parts I-IV and his resemblances to Marmeladov, Dounia, Sonia, Svdrigailov, and Porfiry Petrovich.
             Raskolnikov's relationship with the character Marmeladov reveals many similarities, and helps to support the notion that Raskolnikov has two completely different sides to his personality. Marmeladov and Raskolnikov are both extremely self-involved characters. Marmeladov is an alcoholic whose actions are leading him to ruin. Although he in the end he is putting his family and his own life at risk, Marmeladov is unable to change the path of self-destruction he is following. Raskolnikov has similarly in made a choice that leads to him down a destructive path. Both Marmeladov and Raskolnikov are destitute, yet they still feel like they have a "certain inborn nobility of feeling." (pg. 10) Marmeladov feels like even though he and Raskolnikov are in the same financial situation, they both still represent something, and have a reason for living. Both Marmeladov and Raskolnikov feel like they have been cheated by the world, and instead of taking responsibility for their current state of affairs, Marmeladov wonders "how [an] honest job can bring nothing", and he can't understand why he is unable to support his family.


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