Born in 1821, Fydor Dostoevsky was an innovative thinker that produced thoughts that were divergent from the traditional men of the 1840’s. Living against the grain and refraining from common beliefs such as serfdom, Dostoevsky paved his own road rooted in beliefs of materialism, determinism, as well as atheism. As he gained more of a voice and presented more of his opinions, Dostoevsky’s differing views ultimately led to his imprisonment and later removal to Siberia. It is evident that throughout his life, Dostoevsky remained a differing life than those of his counterparts. The theme of alienation is not only obvious within the life of Dostoevsky, but in his novel Crime and Punishment as well. Alienation is seen within the novel in the life
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It is apparent from the start of the novel that Rodya is a bit of a recluse, choosing to be known by no one. The same concept of shutting oneself away from society is further proven as the character traits of Rodya are presented by Dostoevsky. Described as somewhat arrogant, the narrator says that Rodya kept aloof from everyone…there was a sort of haughty pride and reserve about him…he seemed to look down upon his comrades as children, as though he were superior in development, knowledge and convictions, as though their beliefs and interests were beneath him (41). His distain for others and egocentrism are certainly contributors to the isolation that he brings upon himself. Generally, people who are active members within a society tend to feel as if their lives have more meaning and potential. Perhaps if he had more of an interest in society, he would not feel so negatively effected by certain situations, or certain people such as his landlord, or a …show more content…
Clearly, he is bad because he murders two people; whether or not the murders were justified, murder is still wrong no matter how hard he tries to rationalize it. Raskolnikov is good in the sense that he does actions for others that suggest he is of good character. An example of this can be found at the start of the novel when he gives money to Marmaledov’s family to help them out because they are struggling. Perhaps a stronger example of this is seen when readers are given a glimpse into Raskolnikov’s subconscious through his dreams. In a dream where a horse is being beaten to death, a younger version of himself is traumatized by the events and he shows a great deal of empathy for the horse. The fact that Raskolnikov is “split” in a sense makes him a character who has trouble picking a side. The people who interact with Raskolnikov never know exactly what they are going to get. Because of his inconsistency, not many people want to be around him, once again contributing to his label of a character who alienates
It is apparent from the start of the novel that Rodya is a bit of a recluse, choosing to be known by no one. The same concept of shutting oneself away from society is further proven as the character traits of Rodya are presented by Dostoevsky. Described as somewhat arrogant, the narrator says that Rodya kept aloof from everyone…there was a sort of haughty pride and reserve about him…he seemed to look down upon his comrades as children, as though he were superior in development, knowledge and convictions, as though their beliefs and interests were beneath him (41). His distain for others and egocentrism are certainly contributors to the isolation that he brings upon himself. Generally, people who are active members within a society tend to feel as if their lives have more meaning and potential. Perhaps if he had more of an interest in society, he would not feel so negatively effected by certain situations, or certain people such as his landlord, or a …show more content…
Clearly, he is bad because he murders two people; whether or not the murders were justified, murder is still wrong no matter how hard he tries to rationalize it. Raskolnikov is good in the sense that he does actions for others that suggest he is of good character. An example of this can be found at the start of the novel when he gives money to Marmaledov’s family to help them out because they are struggling. Perhaps a stronger example of this is seen when readers are given a glimpse into Raskolnikov’s subconscious through his dreams. In a dream where a horse is being beaten to death, a younger version of himself is traumatized by the events and he shows a great deal of empathy for the horse. The fact that Raskolnikov is “split” in a sense makes him a character who has trouble picking a side. The people who interact with Raskolnikov never know exactly what they are going to get. Because of his inconsistency, not many people want to be around him, once again contributing to his label of a character who alienates