The description of Rodion’s room is only five or six feet long, stirs up the feeling of depression and misery. Dostoevsky describes his room in which anyone would experience disturbance, nervousness and anxiety. Undoubtedly, Raskolnikov would have to turn into a depressed and angry individual without any pleasure, hope or optimism if he lives under such conditions. What can environmental factors like this do to one’s mind?
When forced to live under such conditions where there is no sight of normality, one such as Raskolnikov may begin to believe that because they are different from most of the society, they are allowed to disobey the law by means of reaching their needs and wants. Describe the different aspects of Raskolnikov’s personality. Raskolnikov’s name means “divided,” which is appropriate since his fundamental character trait is his alienation from human society. His pride and intellectualism lead him to disdain humanity.
Raskolnikov is split between an emotion ego and a logic ego. The conflict between these two sides of his character drives him insane and causes him to sink into apathy until one personality wins out over the other. Describe Marmeladov and his family. Sitting in the saloon, Marmeladov is ragged and unkempt; he is clearly unhealthy from drinking, and seems restless and distressed. Marmeladov is not respected; but he is not condemned or hated. The reactions he evokes give insight to his character.
Marmeladov is desperate his daughter has turned to prostitution to support the family, and his wife is dying of consumption; meanwhile, he pours all the money he can get into alcohol. Is Marmeladov to be pitied or despised? Dostoyevsky seems to want us to feel disdain for Marmeladov. This is a man who has a wife and children who depend on him at home and yet he sold his wife’s shawl and stockings to buy drinks at the tavern. The author makes a point of telling us that Marmeladov took money from his prostitute daughter so that he could have more to drink. Do you sympathize with Katerina Ivanovna? Why?
Why not? She forces Sonia to turn to prostitution, lives in a fantasy world, is capable of the most violent abuse – which make her claims to noble birth seem somewhat questionable, even if she does have a certificate to prove it – and appears to cause as much distress to her children as their stepfather did. It’s understandable, accepting that alcoholism is an illness, and that many of Katerina Ivanovna’s worst excesses are caused by the later stages of tuberculosis but it’s difficult to forgive her faults altogether. Does Katerina Ivanovna’s background make her present situation even more tragic? Why?
Her background makes it more tragic for Katerina Ivanovna, herself because she had accepted her previous living conditions. However, when looked at overall, she brought herself to her present situation therefore she is fully responsible for her decisions. Is the pawnbroker described in sympathetic or unsympathetic terms? Raskolnikov calls Alyona Ivanovna a “louse” and despises her for cheating the poor out of their money and enslaving her own sister, Lizaveta, which leads to the conclusion that she is described in unsympathetic terms. Is Raskolnikov described as being physically attractive or unattractive?
He is physically attractive which may aid his sense of pride, and the environment in which he lives is so distraught that it could be a cause of his mental state. How are the descriptions of the pawnbroker and Raskolnikov ironic? She is old and ugly, he is young and good-looking; she has a firm awareness and business sense and he could be considered delirious and struggling financially; their appearance is similar in the sense that they both dress in rags, however, their reasons for doing so are different: his – poverty; hers – feeling of loneliness and misery.
What determines whether the character is likeable or not? A character is likeable or not if she/he takes into consideration of what other people feel and acts as what one would morally do to reach the right outcome. Is Sonia likeable? Yes, Sonia is a sacrificial, kind-hearted person who becomes a prostitute in order to support her family. Is Luzhin, Dounia’s proposed husband, likeable? Why? Why not? He is not likeable because Raskolnikov takes an immediate dislike of his character, believing Luzhin to be self-serving and hypocritical.
In the meeting with the family, Luzhin shows his true colors whereby Dounia promptly breaks off the engagement. In a plan to exact revenge on Raskolnikov and restore his standing with Dounia, Luzhin unsuccessfully frames Sonia of stealing his money. How does Raskolnikov feel about Dounia’s proposed marriage to Luzhin? He is angered by the proposed marriage from Luzhin because he suggests that Dounia is only marrying him not because of love but in order to help support her family. Does Raskolnikov love his family? How can you tell?
Yes, Raskolnikov loves his family because he is not willing to go on with the marriage between his sister and Luzhin for his own selfish needs because he lacks money but rather does everything in his power to stop the marriage. Why does Raskolnikov compare Dounia’s proposed marriage to Sonia’s prostitution? He compares these two women because like Sonia’s prostitution, Dounia is selling herself short to help her family by marrying a man who is wealthy. Is this a valid comparison? This is not necessarily a valid comparison because Dounia is settling with one man while Sonia has many relationships involving only sexual relations.
How does Marfa Petrovna react to Dounia’s rejection letter to Svidrigailov? Marfa Petrovna, after seeing the rejection letter from Dounia emerges to prove to the whole city that Dounia is a remarkable character by continuously reading a letter to every household. What was Raskolnikov’s former occupation? Raskolnikov had made some money tutoring. Why isn’t he tutoring now? He gave that job up because he had no presentable clothing. What personality trace surfaces here? Deep in debt, he cannot afford to continue his university education and cannot pay his rent, therefore a trait of anger arises within Raskolnikov.
Discuss Raskolnikov’s dream about the mare. If Mikolka, the drunken owner of the mare, were to represent Raskolnikov, then the mare would most probably represent Alyona Ivanovna. The senseless beating of the mare by Mikolka can be compared to the brutal attack on Alyona by Rodion. How is this dream symbolic? The dream about the horse being flogged to death by its drunken owner recalls, in a subtly symbolic way, Raskolnikov’s own cruelty. The horse can be seen as a symbol of the innocent who suffer at the hands of others. What does Raskolnikov overhear about the pawnbroker’s schedule?
Then he sees Lizaveta, the pawnbroker’s sister, in the Hay Market and finds out she will be away from home at 7pm. Since the pawnbroker will be home alone, Raskolnikov decides to go through with his plan. Study Guide for Lesson 2 Discuss the role coincidence plays in this reading assignment. Raskolnikov coincidentally hears a conversation about the pawnbroker just after visiting her. Even more, the conversation includes thoughts about killing her in order to attain the lady’s money. This is exactly what Raskolnikov was thinking.
Also, when he needed the axe for the murder, there is no one luckily guarding the doors. So he can easily attain the axe. What ironic remarks are made by different characters? In the bar, two characters are conversing about the pawnbroker. The talk about killing her which is exactly what Raskolnikov was thinking. Furthermore, at the police station, the officers immediately question Raskolnikov about his whereabouts rights when he is feeling his guilt the most. What ironic events occur? When he was committing the murder and needed a place to hide. An apartment close by was luckily empty.
There, two painters usually work however the place was vacant that day which was ironic since Raskolnikov needed a place to hide. Is Raskolnikov rational or irrational in his actions? At first he is rational in killing the pawn keeper. He as specific motives: obtaining more money and ridding the world of an evil woman. However, once he kills the pawnkeeper’s sister he has become irrational. The only reason for this is that she walked in on her sister’s bloody body and him with a bloody axe. What happens to Raskolnikov’s concept of time? He doesn’t realize how time is flying by.
This is a result of his sleep. Every time he awakes and goes back to sleep he does not realize that time is quickly passing. Furthermore, Raskolnikov seems to be sick which doesn’t help him keep good track of time. Also, he is always trying to make haste, which adds to his disillusionment. If one feels guilty, what does sleep provide? Sleep allows you to escape your guilt momentarily. It takes you away from reality and into your own “dream” world where your problems can be easily solved and your conscience cleared. What are some of the effects of guilt? Raskolnikov is extremely paranoid.
Every now and then, he continues to feel that he is being suspected or that he is caught. He is always in a panic. For example, when he is at the police station he immediately assumes that they know and as a result, he faints. What do most people need to do with the burden of guilt? They have to make a confession because only that can clear the conscience thoroughly. Does Raskolnikov demonstrate this need? Give details. No, instead he tries to hide his conscience. For example, he takes all that he has stolen and buries it under a rock. This is the way he is trying to deal with the guilt.
He is trying to hide what he has done; essentially, he is pretending it never happened. What does Raskolnikov do with the spoils of his crime? He hides all that he has attained. Specifically, he buries it under a rock to essentially please his conscience. He contemplates throwing it into the river but later decides to bury it so it won’t resurface again. Was robbery his motive? Why? Why not? Not completely. His motive is to kill her and also take her money. This is why he brings an axe with him to the pawnbroker’s place. Rakolnikov did not only want to rob and kill the aged woman.
His motives were based on the idea of eradicating evil. Is Raskolnikov suffering Explain. Yes he is, his guilt is extremely destructive. For example, he faints at the police station when they are talking about the crime. Even more, he feels alienated and is becoming paranoid about all the details of the crime. He is trying to hide blood spots and the goods that he stole when he was doing his crime. Is guilt a constructive or destructive emotion? Destructive, if you don’t confess, your body gives you a punishment through guilt which will drive you crazy until you realize that you must confess.
When is guilty healthy? Unhealthy? Guilt is healthy most of the time because it is your body’s way of telling you that you did something wrong, when your head tells you it’s okay. This also gives you incentive to correct your mistakes. Guilt is unhealthy when one blames themselves for something they did not do. Describe Raskolnikov’s behavior at Razumihin’s apartment. Raskolnikov arrives at Razumihin’s apartment not knowing what he came for. He doesn’t even realize initially that he is there. But once he enters he wants to tell him something; specifically, he wants some sort of help.
However, he decides not to confess or ask for help. Why does Raskolnikov go to Razumihin’s apartment? He doesn’t know initially, but then when he is at the apartment he desires advice and help. The second time that he goes into Razumihin’s apartment he wants to return all the papers that his friend provided him for a possible job that he can get. Study Guide for Lesson 3 Contrast Raskolnikov with the other people around him. Raskolnikov wants to prove to himself that his “extraordinary man”. He contends that there are two types of men in the world, ordinary and extraordinary.
The extraordinary ones, like himself, are superior humans who have the right to violate the law, under certain circumstances, in order to benefit humankind. An extraordinary man even has the right to commit murder if the act will result in benefits to the unfortunate. What is the only subject in which Raskolnikov shows interest? Raskolnikov, believed himself a higher being like Nietzsche’s superman and above the law, is in the end guilt-ridden, becoming a living proof of the power of the mind. What if the story were told from Raskolnikov’s first person point of view?
If the story was told in first person by Raskolnikov, the author would be unable to incorporate the internal dialogue of other characters, unless he gave Raskolnikov the power to read minds. What qualities of a good friend does Razumihin possess? Razumihin in Crime and Punishment serves as a contrast to Raskonlikov, he takes care of him when he is sick however and releases him of his burden which are both a quality of a good friend. How does Razumihin show his concern for Raskolnikov? Razumihin continuously visits Raskolnikov and provides him with clothing.
He even takes care of his family when Raskolnikov refuses to. What do Raskolnikov’s delirious ravings reveal about him? Raskolnikov’s delirious ravings reveal his guilt and crime. There is an implicit judgement on Dostoevsky’s part that too much thinking and rationalization, and not enough attention to instinct and emotion, creates people who are cold, heartless, and inhuman. Why does Razumihin feel that Nikolay is not the murderer? Razumihin insists that Nikolay is innocent because witnesses have verified that shortly after the murders, the two painters were chasing each other around like children.
No criminal, especially an uneducated one, would think of doing something like that right after murdering people. What does Razumihin’s theory about the crime reveal about out him? It is revealed that Razumihin is not only intelligent but also the nephew of Porfiry Petrovich, the examining magistrate. How does Luzhin behave in his interview with Raskolnikov? Dounia and Pulkheria show Razumikhin a letter from Luzhin requesting that Raskolnikov not be present at their first interview, which shows that Luzhin is an egoist. How does Raskolnikov treat Luzhin?
Raskolnikov treats him disrespectfully. Luzhin tells Raskolnikov that he has found accommodations for Dounia and Pulcheria Alexandrovna in a certain house. Razumihin remarks that Bakaleyev’s house is a place of ill-repute. Who is more sympathetically depicted by Dostoevsky — Luzhin or Raskolnikov? It seems that Dostoevsky is more sympathetic to Raskolnikov the murderer than to Luzhin. What qualities does Dostoevsky seem to value in people? He believes that people should be together and not dislike meeting at any time with anyone he loves compassion.
What qualities does Dostoevsky seem to despise? Dostoecsky cannot stand anti-socialism. Discuss Raskolnikov’s behavior with Zametov at the bar. Entering a tavern in order to find the newspaper accounts of the murder, Raskolnikov finds himself-again by coincidence-with Zametov, the police clerk. Far from trying to disguise his fascination with the murder story, Raskolnikov flaunts his interest in it. He uses words like confess and reminds Zametov that he fainted when the murder was discussed in the police station. Who provokes the conversation about the murder — Zametov or Raskolnikov?
Raskolnikov taunts Zametov throughout the conversation saying that he came to the restaurant solely for the purpose of reading about the murder. Based upon his behavior at the bar, what other personality traits of Raskolnikov surface? Tormented by feelings of guilt, Raskolnikov acts erratically, and he fears that his guilt will be obvious to others. Much of the novel centers on Raskolnikov’s irrational state of mind and the eccentric behavior that follows from this. On several occasions he comes close to boasting that he could have committed the crime, and dares others to prove that he did it.
Where does Raskolnikov go? Raskolnikov feels strangely compelled to go to the police station. The idea of confessing feels very attractive to him now. He starts to walk there, but instead veers off and goes to the scene of the crime. What other examples of verbal irony and situational irony do you find in the reading assignment? Dehuminization In Crime and Punishment is when Raskolnikov murdered the two sisters. Also, It was totally unexpected when Nikolai came to the police office and said, “I’m the guilty one! The sin is mine! I’m the murderer! ” Study Guide for Lesson 4
What do Katerina Ivanovna’s reactions to Marmeladov’s death say about her character? Katerina Ivanovna states that she is happy that Marmeladov, her husband, is dying because his presence only adds on irritation. This shows that she is ungrateful, rude, and unsympathetic. What does Luzhin’s letter reveal about his personality? Luzhin’s letter reveals that he really dislikes Raskolnikov. He is quick to make judgments about people who don’t adore him. The letter also reveals that he will leave at any second if something doesn’t go his way. He’s not committed to this marriage.
Raskolnikov’s generous actions after Marmeladov’s accident effect a temporary change in his character? Discuss. After Raskolnikov acted so generously towards Marmeladov’s family, his characted drastically changed because he felt as if he performed a good deed in hopes of covering up for his double murder. Discuss the incongruity of Sonia description in Ch. 7. In Luzhin’s letter to Dounia, Luzhin stated that Raskolnikov had wasted his mother’s hard worked for money on Sonia, who in his opinion is unworthy of any recognition by others. There’s an incongruity of her description because Sonia is a very kind hearted person.
What personality traits does Dounia share with her brother Rodya? She shares her brother’s intelligence and good looks along with an easily tempered personality. Study Guide for Lesson 5 What do Sonia’s reactions to the polite behavior of Raskolnikov’s family reveal about her self concept? She has been habituated into a life of a prostitute, Sonya feels awkward when Roskolnikov’s mother and Dunya bow to her. She is not used to this feeling of respect. Where does the fifty-year-old man who is new to St. Petersburg live? He lives right next Sonia, the Kapernaumov’s building.
From a strategic standpoint, why are the playful actions of Raskolnikov and Razumihin upon entering Porfiry’s room effective? When they entered the room they had been laughing and having a good time which might help making Raskolnikov look less suspicious. How is Porfiry described in a somewhat contradictory way? Razumihin had described Porfiry as funny and someone that knows how to have a good time however in person Porfiry seemed serious, determined and intelligent. When Porfiry repeats the words “ordinary” and “extraordinary,” what is Raskolnikov aware of?
Raskolnikov realizes that Porfiry thinks that Raskolnikov considers himself as an “extraordinary” therefore being capable of breaking the law. Discuss the main points of Raskolnikov’s article on crime as published in the Periodical Review. He believed in the “the psychological condition of the criminal throughout the commission of the crime,” “the act of committing a crime is always accompanied by some morbid condition,” That the EXTRAORDINARY PERSON has a right “in himself” to break any laws when they are obstacles to the fulfillment of his ideas. What does the fact that Porfiry has studied Raskolnikov’s article reveal to both Raskolnikov and the reader? Raskolnikov’s article “On Crime” clues the reader (and Porfiry) in to some of the rationale for committing the murder. Does Porfiry question Raskolnikov in traditional police manner? Porfiry Petrovich actually makes a mockery of the traditional police manner. Where is Porfiry being sarcastic in his discussion of Raskolnikov’s theory? Raskolnikov initially believes that he has the right to commit any act to achieve his ends. He murders two women, but after the crime, he falls into a delirium for several days.
He suffers a madness of doubts and fears. He realizes that he is not someone who can live outside of accepted morality, and he feels the need to confess. Revisiting the scene helps him grip reality. Does Porfiry seem like a formidable opponent at first? No he does not seem like a formidable opponent at first because he is very calm and collected in the way he proceeds any situation. What result is Porfiry’s friendly disposition likely to provoke in a criminal? A criminal may be fooled by Porfiry’s kindness and confess incidentally without realizing the likely outcome afterwards.
When does Porfiry’s lighthearted manner give way to a deadly serious question? When Raskolnikov begans to sweat and his face is pale indicating that he is nervous and is exposed to irritation provoked by Porfiry. Is Raskolnikov a suspect? In Porfiry’s mind, Raskolnikov is a suspect and in fact the murderer of the two sisters. However, there is no evidence to support his claim. How does Razumihin’s reaction to Porfiry’s question about the painters further describe his character? Razumihin’s reaction to Porfiry’s question confirms that he is not only a reliable and trustworthy friend but also understands the limit of right and wrong.
Why does Porfiry ask Raskolnikov if he believes in Lazarus rising from the dead? Raskolnikov, like Lazarus, died one type of death, isolation from society and great spiritual torment, as a result of the crime. Through Christ, Lazarus was raised from the dead; now through Sonya help, Raskolnikov hopes to be regenerated to life. Therefore, both stories are of people who were separated from the living and through some incredible miracle were restored to the living. The story is one of suffering, of great suffering that was alleviated by the miracle of restoring life.
Therefore, if Sonya can restore Raskolnikov to life, his suffering will be alleviated What disturbing comment is made by a stranger to Raskolnikov as he is walking home? A stranger referred to Raskolnikov as a murderer which left Raskolnikov befuddled and afraid because someone knew of his committed crime. Is Raskolnikov starting to believe that his actions are not worthy of his theory? Raskolnikov slowly starts to realize that he cannot overcome the standards of morality which convinces him that his actions are not worthy of his theory.
Discuss the significance of Raskolnikov’s dream about the beating of an old woman. This illusion of Raskolnikov’s dream about the beating of his landlady demonstrates his fear and how he thinks that they’re after him by attacking everyone he knows. Who visits Raskolnikov? Svidrigailov visits Raskolnikov to introduce himself, in which Raskolnikov assumes that this is his attempt of getting to his sister. How has Svidrigailov treated Marfa Petrovna and others? He has been selfish his whole life using his wife Marfa to his advantage and consistently involves himself into debauchery.
What do Svidrigailov’s dreams reveal? Svidrigailov’s dreams reveals that his dead wife is haunting him through the power of dreams to torture his wrongdoing of poisoning her. Are Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov alike in any way? Through the dreams of both men Dostoevsky reveals a sickness and disease that will inevitably end in a devastating plague; they both murdered someone. How are the two different? Raskolnikov is obsessed with his “superman theory” where he in the end confesses of his crimes while Svidrigailov commits suicide. What offer does Svidrigailov make to Raskolnikov for Dounia’s sake?
Does Raskolnikov trust this offer? He offers Raskolnikov money given by Marfa Petrovna in return of denying Luzhin a marriage. Raskolnikov does not believe him and suspects that this is Svidrigailov’s attempt of reaching out to Dounia. How has Marfa Petrovna shown her respect for Dounia? Marfa Petrovna through her will gave Dounia roubles to help support herself and her family. Study Guide for Lesson 6 How does Luzhin act in his meeting with Raskolnikov and his family? He acts arrogant as if he is in charge of everything and in return offends Rakolnikov’s family which results in Dounia and Luzhin separating.
What other despicable acts has Svidrigailov committed? Svidigailov committed murder and then created a gallery of his victims, of which he cheated with on his wife. When Luzhin asserts that there are some insults that do irreparable harm to relationships, do you agree with him? Are there boundaries of acceptable criticism beyond which we should not venture in our dealings with people? There is a limit to everything anyone says and especially if that person is not someone who is very dear to you rather a complete stranger than there is no reason to continue building a bond that is built upon the wrong circumstances.
Rodya states that Luzhin is morally inferior to Sonia. Do you agree? What would society think about subordinating Luzhin to Sonia? Readers of Crime and Punishment would agree with Rodya’s statement after learning about both individuals. Society however would never place a girl who involves herself into prostitution over a ostentatious and wealthy man. When rejected by Dounia, what scandalous untruth does Luzhin remind her of? What does this disclose about his character? Luzhin reminds Dounia of the times when she did not maintain a good reputation and of which Luzhin rescued her. This statement showed that e is a selfish man that did not truly care for Dounia and would throw away everything they had come to. Luzhin refuses to believe that his relationship with Dounia is really over. What does this indicate about his character? Whenever someone does not accept rejection it is because they never thought they would reach that point due to their high opinion of themselves. What business venture does Razumihin propose to Raskolnikov? Razumihin proposes that he, Raskolnikov and Dounia should go into publishing to earn a wholesome of money. To whom does Raskolnikov entrust his family before he goes off alone?
Raskolnikov entrusts his family to Razumihin before he goes off alone. How does Raskolnikov initially treat Sonia in his interview with her? Raskolnikov urges Sonia to give up prostitution and suggests that she deserves a much healthier environment in which she takes the lead and reaches only respect. How does Sonia’s religious belief add to the irony of her character? Sonia’s religious belief add to the irony of her character because she is a prostitute, therefore it would have been only evident for her to not have faith in religion and to not obtain morality.
What story does Raskolnikov ask Sonia to read? Describe her manner of sharing it with him. Raskolnikov commands Sonya to read him the story of Lazarus. Sonya manages to overcome her terror of the crazed Raskolnikov and reads, shaking as she does so. It is clear that the passage has special significance for her. What parallel does Raskolnikov see in himself and Sonia? He thinks of her as a kindred spirit, someone who has, as a prostitute, also transgressed moral law and “destroyed a life—her very own. ” Why is Sonia the one to whom eventually Raskolnikov will confess his crime?
Raskolnikov thinks that she will understand him and be there by his side to comfort him when anyone else would be unfit to do so. Who is listening to Sonia and Raskolnikov on the other side of the wall? Svidrigailov is listening to Sonia and Raskolnikov on the other side of the wall. What would Svidrigailov’s knowledge of the crime give to him? He would have the power to manipulate Dounia into marrying him by keeping the crime a secret and not revealing it to anyone. Porfiry engages in meaningless small talk even before talking about the crime to Raskolnikov. Is this intentional?
What does this technique do to Raskolnikov? By using this technique, Porfiry intentionally reduces Raskolnikov’s stress and attempts to reassure him that he only means the best by his doing. Why is the repetition of the word capital ironic? It is ironic that capital is repeated because he committed a capital offense(murdering someone) and so here the word carries a double meaning Does Porfiry know that Raskolnikov is the murderer? Does Raskolnikov know the degree to which he is being considered the murderer? Porfiry assumes that Raskolnikov is the murdered however there is no evidence to back his assumption up.
Raskolnikov is unaware of the degree however Porfiry seems to be confident. Why doesn’t Porfiry arrest Raskolnikov right away? Porfiry tells Raskolnikov, all criminals eventually confess and it’s important to give a criminal time and space to make the confession. If a criminal is arrested before the time is right, before there is exact proof, it will disrupt this process. He says that, once a criminal is aware of Porfiry, the criminal will keep coming around Porfiry until he gives himself away, all on his own. Describe Raskolnikov’s emotional state during the interview.
Raskolnikov grew to be pale, anxious, nervous, and fully certain that Porfiry knew of his crime. Who is in control — Porfiry or Raskolnikov? Porfiry is in control of the game because he is the cat chasing the mouse, Raskolnikov, into admitting to his murder. Is Porfiry aware that Raskolnikov has visited the scene of the crime? Yes, a guy has been sick, a murder happens, and so the sick man comes to imagine that he is the killer, or that he has some involvement in the murder. Porfiry says that’s why Raskolnikov went to visit the scene of the crime the other day, when he asked the workmen if they had cleaned all the blood off the floor.
What strange occurrence upsets Porfiry’s plan for Raskolnikov’s confession? Nikolay, the painter, walks in and confesses that he is the one who killed the two sisters with an axe and robbed them. Who is the man hiding behind the door at Porfiry’s office, and why is it ironic that he comes to Raskolnikov’s apartment to apologize? He is the stranger that was present by the porters when Raskolnikov visited, it’s ironic that he came to Raskolnikov’s apartement to apologize because he intentionally went to the Porfiry to tell him that Raskolnikov is the murdered and now he pointlessly ame to apologize for something he intentionally did. Study Guide for Lesson 7 Why does Luzhin regret not having been more generous with Dounia and her mother? Luzhin regrets not having been more generous with Dounia and her mother because he realized that he didn’t want to lose Dounia and that he actually did love her. How is Lebezyatnikov satirized by Dostoevsky? While Lebezyatnikov seems to outwardly support the emancipation of women, he simultaneously treats both Katerina Ivanovna and Sonia very poorly.
Dostoevsky remarks that Lebezyatnikov is a “scrofulous little man,” which means that he is morally corrupt. What did Luzhin give Sonia to help Katerina Ivanovna? Lebeziatnikov brings Sonia over and Luzhin gives her ten roubles as a token of sympathy for Katerina Ivanovna and the children. Why did Katerina Ivanovna have the funeral brunch in view of her financial circumstances? Her pride motivates her to spend too much money on Marmeladov’s memorial dinner, even though, with his death, the family is certain to starve. She sees the dinner as one last chance to pretend that she truly is “noble, even aristocratic. Instead, the event proves to be only one more illustration of the impossibility of escaping the poverty that surrounds her. When Katerina’s landlady helps with the funeral brunch, why does Katerina resent her? Katerina Ivanovna was displeased with Amalia’s excessive pride because she claimed to be responsible for the whole brunch. What were some ironic circumstances about the brunch? It is ironic how the people at the brunch were all people that Katerina Ivanovna did not know and that the people she really wanted to be present, did not make an effort to show up, which displeased her.
What does Luzhin attempt to do to Sonia? Why? Luzhin attempted to present Sonia as a thief so people would not think she’s worthy to be considered on the same level as Dounia and to prove Raskolnikov wrong in front of his family’s eyes. Who figures out Luzhin’s motives? Raskolnikov figures out Luzhin’s motives and calls him out in front of the whole crowd. How does Lebezyatnikov show good qualities? Lebeziatnikov admits that he witnessed Luzhin sneak in the hundred roubles in her pocket. Is Marmeladov’s funeral brunch pathetic or humorous? Can it be both?
Marmeladov’s funeral brunch is pathetic because it is not devoted to respecting Marmeladov but rather of Katerina presenting her pride through the use of her remaining money. How does Raskolnikov approach Sonia so that she will be inclined to understand his acts of murder? He approached her by telling her that he knew who killed the two sisters and insisted on her guessing instead of him telling her. Describe Raskolnikov’s emotional reactions before he confesses to Sonia. Raskolnikov felt uneasy and continuously questioned whether telling Sonia is the right thing to do and in the end he did not feel as if he another alternative.
What parallel did Raskolnikov see between Sonia and Lizaveta? They both were religious and exchanged their crosses, they both had the sympathy to forgive and love. Is Sonia’s reaction to Raskolnikov sympathetic or unsympathetic? Sonia was definitely sympathetic to Raskolnikov by providing him with care and she even promised that she would go wherever he asks her to go, however she also urged him to give himself in. What kinds of motives is Sonia eager to attribute to Raskolnikov in order to make the murders more comprehensible? Sonia urges him to go make a confession so that he would receive a lighter sentence.
How does Raskolnikov’s theory sound when he attempts to explain it to Sonia? When he explains his theory, Raskolnikov himself begins to doubt his theory and realizes that it was a wrong concept. Does Raskolnikov himself know exactly why he committed the crime? Raskolnikov keeps going back and forth on the motives of his crime. At one point he believes it was because he was poor at another point he just believes that she was the evil in this world which must be eradicated. What does Sonia advise Raskolnikov to do? Sonia advises Raskolnikov to go kiss the ground of St. Petersburg and yell out “I am a murderer! ” and then go give himself up.
While releasing one burden onto Sonia, what other burden does he seem to incur? The burden of being of being loved by her and knowing that he’s causing her to suffer because of it. Why does Sonia attempt to give him a cross? Sonia attempts to give Raskolnikov a cross to prove that he believes in the bible and God and to plead for God’s forgiveness for the evil he has brought by committing that crime and to symbolize that they will suffer together. Is Raskolnikov ready to accept his “cross” yet? Raskolnikov is not yet ready to accept the cross. He wants to come for it right before he gives himself up to the police.
