Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Raskolnikov, the protagonist of Crime and Punishment, in his published article proposes a theory of criminality which distinguishes between the intrinsic forms of “ordinary men” and “extraordinary men”; this division is created by “extraordinary” man’s ability to transgress the implemented social contract, and introduce a new concept into society, in comparison to the ordinary man who must live in submission and have not right to transgress the law (259). However, these five main principles…

Dostoevsky has placed both Razumihin and Luzhin in the novel to show a stark contrast between their characters that is exemplified through their conversation and later Razumihin’s personal opinions. I believe this is important because they are indeed very different characters in both motive and in beliefs. Luzhin is a man of self centered desires and wants, stating that it is okay for him to be “‘acquiring wealth solely and exclusively for [himself],’” because of the fact that it will help those…

There are no universal truths in Crime and Punishment. While there it seems that Raskolnikov’s story in Crime and Punishment focuses on the idea of atonement, Dostoevsky counters that understanding with Svidrigailov’s final hours in Part VI, chapter vi. Svidrigailov acts as a foil to Raskolnikov throughout the entirety of the novel, and their two understandings of redemption is no exception. In analyzing Svidrigailov’s final night, we see that while he believes that the past can influence the…

Dostoevsky’s protagonist also struggles with his own faith, seemingly using atheism as another disguise and further reasoning for his argument that his crime was justified. However, we see that Raskolnikov only flirts with the idea that a God may not exist as a result of his disillusionment with the distribution of hardship. Dostoevsky creates characters all around Raskolnikov who face great hardships of varied degrees and kinds. For example, “Sonia is kind-hearted but pushed into whoredom by…

Dostoevsky frames what he calls the “Eastern Question” differently in Diary of a Writer. Pan-Slavism comes from a desire for “blessed and genuine union of all humanity in a…universal alliance whose fundamental principles are already found in the animating spirit of the Slavs and above all in the spirit of the great Russian People” (Dostoevsky, 1063-64). It is not a quest for vengeance and murder as posited by Levin. Even in interactions with the Turkish enemy, Russians are noted for their…

example of Marmeladov’s carelessness when it comes to taking Sonia’s money is seen when he discusses his drinking habits, "Well then, here I am, her own blood father, and I took her thirty kopecks to go and get myself drunk! And I dri-i-ink!" (Dostoyevsky 20). Marmeladov takes Sonia’s money that was intended for her desperate step-mother and her hungry siblings, however Marmeladov takes the money spends the money in a way that will only benefit him with little thought involved. After Marmeladov…

In this excerpt from Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky expresses different emotions and conflicts of his main character, Raskolnikov, as he questions and condemns the wicked ways of man. Dostoevsky describes the inner turmoil of Raskolnikov, who wishes to help those in need, but his experiences with mankind’s corruption has strayed him to his current belief: no amount of sacrifice can lessen impoverishment, suffering, nor vice. This passage reveals Raskolnikov’s utter disgust with not only…

as a decent human being. One of my favorite scenes is when Raskolnikov gives the last of his money to a man named Katerina Marmeladov. Through a discussion with Katerina, Raskolnikov learns he has “spent a night on a hay barge, on the Neva.” (Dostoyevsky, Part 1, Chapter 2). This then emphasizes Raskolnikov’s soft, kind hearted side because even though he is very poor as well, he knew this other man could use the money ever more. However, later on, Raskolnikov’s dark side begins to take over…

There comes a point where we must come to accept ourselves and change the qualities that we can’t accept in order to benefit our well being. The consequences that are given to people as a result from their sins define their transformation because one act does not defines a person. In the ending of Crime and Punishment Raskolnikov betters himself and others around him by completely changing his ways. The first step in doing so is by turned to the Lord for forgiveness. Dostoyevski graphically…

In his stirring psychological thriller novel, Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky subtly manifests how one cannot live without the compassion and concern of others. Dostoevsky’s use of Raskolnikov’s closest friend as a foil character balances Raskolnikov’s seemingly incorrigible ways with Razumikhin’s solicitous personality by the contrast shown in Dostoevky’s choice of words, which further validates how Raskolnikov needs a person who is compassionate so that he refrains from committing more…