Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment revolves around the experiences of the protagonist, Raskolnikov, in a dramatically short period of time. All in less than a week, he is subject to the emotions that accompany planning, executing, and reflecting upon a murder. With hidden motives and self-doubt, he no less destroys himself as he destroyed the life of an unsuspecting woman. Raskolnikov, though confusing, is essential in understanding the underlying truths of humanity. Yet, no less important is Mikolka Dementiev, a measly painter caught victim by chance. Dostoevsky uses Crime and Punishment and unorthodox character development to dissect the subconscious problem of guilt in society. Mikolka, a character many may consider a mere extra,
…show more content…
“To sing Lazarus” (pet’ Lazaria) is a turn of speech for “to tell a tale of woes,” “to solicit something ingratiatingly,” “to put on a false front.” The Lazarus song, from which the idiom was derived, summed up Russian popular notions about justice; it expressed the belief of the narod that the relations between rich and poor should be governed by concrete charity as manifested in almsgiving (milostynia). In Crime and Punishment, allusions to the song thread their way through the text binding seemingly unrelated scenes and personages. (Ivanits 4)
Thus Raskolnikov sought to channel his most pitiful qualities (poverty, depression, and poor health) to sway the opinion of the law. He played his cards the only way he knew how, in a manipulative manner that so often benefitted him. Furthermore, the inner conflict faced by Raskolnikov revolves around his inability to decide whether or not he is to give or receive, to provide or beg. What appears to be disregard for his own wellbeing as he gives away money to strangers multiple times is rather his attempt at fulfilling himself as a giver, a provider, an
“To sing Lazarus” (pet’ Lazaria) is a turn of speech for “to tell a tale of woes,” “to solicit something ingratiatingly,” “to put on a false front.” The Lazarus song, from which the idiom was derived, summed up Russian popular notions about justice; it expressed the belief of the narod that the relations between rich and poor should be governed by concrete charity as manifested in almsgiving (milostynia). In Crime and Punishment, allusions to the song thread their way through the text binding seemingly unrelated scenes and personages. (Ivanits 4)
Thus Raskolnikov sought to channel his most pitiful qualities (poverty, depression, and poor health) to sway the opinion of the law. He played his cards the only way he knew how, in a manipulative manner that so often benefitted him. Furthermore, the inner conflict faced by Raskolnikov revolves around his inability to decide whether or not he is to give or receive, to provide or beg. What appears to be disregard for his own wellbeing as he gives away money to strangers multiple times is rather his attempt at fulfilling himself as a giver, a provider, an