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Crime and Punishment


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This is a work which analyses not only the mind of an young man but a whole community. I was deeply affected by the 30th chapter where Raskolnikolf opens his heart to Soniya...who can give such a description...--Submitted by anil.



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Crime and Punishment is by truth the best book ever written. It talks about Raskolnikov, a foreign student troubled by money woes who commits a heinous crime. Then he gets sick of himself and has all of that guilt in his heart and can't let go of it.--Submitted by Laura

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This book was written by Fyodor Dostoevsky to help outline the life of a young man struggling with insanity. It is powerful and moving as he takes you into the psyche and behavior of one of the most deranged characters of any fictional tale.--Submitted by Matthew Stankowicz.

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Does madness turn a man into a criminal or does crime turn a criminal mad?--Submitted by Craig Fleming.

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Recent Forum Posts on Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment: Yet Another Question

In Part V, specifically, in chapter 1, we see Luzhin characterized as a self-serving, materialistic, pompous person who is profoundly obsessed with money. In this section, he blames a specific character's rejection of him on entirely materialistic motives, thinking that once this character had the inheritance from Marfa Petrovna, she and her mother will no longer need him. Who is this character? Okay, that was an easy one, but it gets more interesting. After this section, Luzhin simply disappears from the text, never to be heard from again, why? And, after or following the aftermath of Luzhin, Dunya is completely free to turn her attention towards which character? One more: A specific character in the same section, next chapter, functions as a humorous, sarcastic caricature of the pompous but stupid intellectual, as well as the "proverbial emperor without any clothes." Who is this character? And why was it important for Dostoevsky to include this character in the novel? (This last question will have no clear answer; it is merely one that is formed from an opinion. What would be your opinion?)

Posted By mea505 at Fri 19 Dec 2008, 9:54 AM in Crime and Punishment || 6 Replies

Question for the Day

In the Novel, Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is depicted, at first, as a self-centered individual with little to no regard for other peoples' feelings. This is true for most of the novel, in fact. This changes, however, during a crucial part in the novel, and allows the reader to realize that Raskolnikov does have empathy for others. At what point in the novel does this happen? What other significant event happens during this time? No, there are no hints. I have been asked to make these questions, well, difficult! I will present one a day (or try to) until such time as others have completed with the novel and grow tired of discussing it, or tired of my questions. They will all appear in this thread, so come back daily to see the question(s).

Posted By mea505 at Thu 11 Dec 2008, 9:10 AM in Crime and Punishment || 28 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Back to the Basics

Before we go on with the novel, merely representing the synopses of each chapter, which can be rather mundane, let's discuss some of the literary techniques used by the author in this terrific novel. 1. Motifs. (recurring structures, contrasts and literary devices that are used to help develop and inform the reader with regard to the text's major themes as the book is read) Question: We know that poverty is rather ubiquitous throughout this novel, which takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia. Which characters are best described throughout the novel as being in a state of poverty? Which ones are not? Question: We understand, by reading the text, that Raskolnikov is often depicted throughout the novel as a person who "distances himself" from two specific other characters, who are they? (this would be just the opposite of what "should happen" in a poverty-stricken" environment, where people generally bond together, poverty being the overwhelming force that makes families support one another).Hint: these two characters are related, as mother and child. Question: In what way does poverty help Dostoevsky develop the scenes and the settings of St. Petersburg? What is he specifically addressing when he uses poverty in the novel? Symbols. The City of St. Petersburg is represented as being extremely crowded and dirty in the novel, Crime and Punishment. There are drunks throughout the streets; children and women are seen begging for money; residents are crowded into small, noisy apartments, where (in some instances) a person might own just one corner of the apartment. Question: St. Petersburg represents two major symbols in the novel; what are they? Recall that Sonya provides Raskolnikov with a cross before he goes to the police station to confess his crimes (some of you might not have read this far into the novel as of yet). Aside from the important symbol that it represents in the realm of Christendom, and Jesus' self-sacrifice for the sins of humanity, what else does the cross represent to Raskolnikov's character? What, significantly, does the cross represent to Sonya? Note: If this post is well received by others and is liked, I will continue to post these sort of questions; I will most certainly post the answers as well. Depending on the reception, I will either continue with the summaries with respect to the novel, continuing with Part III, or I will delve back into chapter one and dig up some more literary techniques, such as the 'internal and external conflicts' that are represented in Raskolnikov's character, specifically as it deals with the opening of the novel, and as it continues throughout the text.

Posted By mea505 at Thu 4 Dec 2008, 8:53 AM in Crime and Punishment || 17 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Part III, Chapter Two

In this chapter, we see that Razumikhin is rather ashamed and overcome with regret due to the things that he had told the others the night before (recall that he was drunk for most of the night, with the housewarming party). Although he initially claimed that he was attracted to Dunya, he renounces this notion as being literally absurd; however, he takes care to dress himself with extra care that morning, as he knows that he is about to visit the mother and the daughter, Pulcerhia and Dunya. And, although he made the comments the night before (recall that there were two comments), the mother and the daughter are actually glad to see him, in spite of what he said. He tells both of them that Raskolnikov is doing somewhat better that morning. Later, during the conversation that he has with Dunya, Razumikhin cannot hide his feelings for her (this is directly opposed to his thoughts that the comment he made the night before was absurd). Both Dunya and Pulcheria show him a letter that was received from Luzhin, in which he requests that he not see Raskolnikov again. why? Luzhin also says (in the letter) that Raskolnikov donated a large portion of the money that was sent to him (from whom?) to the Marmeladov family. (Is this true?) During the ensuing conversation, Dunya tells Razumikhin that Raskolnikov should meet with her fiance regardless of what Luzhin thinks or says -- and then the chapter closes with them all going to Raskolnikov's apartment.

Posted By mea505 at Wed 3 Dec 2008, 10:11 AM in Crime and Punishment || 11 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Part III, Chapter One

In this chapter, as you may recall from the previous chapter, Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dunya remain "grief-stricken" because of Raskolnikov's recent condition, which was: he was unconscious due to the fainting spell, which was due to the recent conversation and the remarks made by the doctor. However, Raskolnikov becomes angry with the two of them and orders them out of his room; he also commands Dunya to break off her engagement (with whom?). Later, Razumikhin had made a promise to abandon his housewarming party and remain with his best friend, in his room, due to his "condition." As he is already there with both Pulcheria and Dunya, he tries to convince both of them to leave Raskolnikov alone and then offers to bring the doctor, Zossimov to look after him, while he remains in the condition he is in. Initially, due to the intensity in which he tries to convince both of the girls to leave his best friend alone, he frightens both Dunya and Pulcheria; but then it is learned that Razumikhin is somewhat (strongly, actually) attracted to Dunya and he makes a rather drunken declaration of his loyalty towards her and also tells Dunya that Luzhin is totally "wrong" for her and that she should immediately break off the engagement, repeating what Raskolnikov recently requested that she do. Later, the mother and her daughter, Pulcheria and Dunya return to their own abode. For emphasis (recall in your reading) that the narrator emphasizes the attraction that Razumikhin has for Dunya and that he wants nothing more than for her to (now) break off the engagement, totally. He explains (again, through the narration) that Dunya is extremely attractive, self-confident, strong, and tender. After checking up on Raskolnikov, Razumikhin re-visits Dunya and Pulcheria, first by himself, then accompanied by the doctor, Zossimov, who later calms their fears about Raskolnikov and believes that he is merely suffering from some sort of "obsession." However, outside the apartment, Razumikhin becomes violently jealous when the doctor compliments Dunya; Razumikhin, in an effort to steer the doctor's attention away from Dunya, attempts to "fix" him up with the landlady, rather than him continue with his plight towards Dunya. Question: Why is the doctor suddenly interested in Dunya? Is there a specific reason? Attention: To date, I have completed the summaries for all of Parts I and II, and have started on Part III. Because of my schedule, I am going to take a short break from doing this. I am hoping that someone else from the group might be able to complete the summaries for Part III. If not, then I will continue with them in a day or two (or perhaps a week, depending on my schedule). This might actually help some, as I do not know where everyone is with respect to the novel. Attention: Perhaps, when we complete this novel, we can either start to read and discuss "Demons" (which was recently started by two of us on this forum already), or we can read and discuss "Brothers Karamazov." "Demons" is an extremely interesting and "twisting" novel. There are several other names for the novel, such as "The Possessed."

Posted By mea505 at Wed 3 Dec 2008, 9:00 AM in Crime and Punishment || 4 Replies

Where are Gladys and Dori?

I'd say, where are Gladys and Dori? They were leaving some info and replies to the forum, but it seems as though we haven't heard from them of late. Where are you, Gladys, Dori?

Posted By mea505 at Tue 2 Dec 2008, 12:42 PM in Crime and Punishment || 5 Replies

Crime and Punishment "What if?"

What do you guys think would have happened had Porfiry's "surprise" not been interrupted by Nikolai's confession? That is, if Raskolnikov had seen the man from the previous day who called him a murder behind the door?

Posted By RowJimmy at Tue 2 Dec 2008, 12:07 PM in Crime and Punishment || 5 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Part II, Chapter Seven

Here, Raskolnikov finds the drunken Marmeladov, lying on the ground, injured in the street, having been recently trampled on by a horse and a carriage; he takes the dying man to his home, which is nearby. When he gets there, he is met by Katerina Ivanovna, who is in tears because of the dying man; she tries to care for him, but a doctor later declares that Marmeladov is dying and that there is nothing they can do. (Actually, the doctor asks if they want him to "bleed" the patient, but even the doctor admits that this will be of little benefit for the patient). Marmeladov has enough energy to call for a priest, who arrives, and tells Katerina that she must forgive the patient for all of his "mis-doings," such as not caring for the family, staying drunk with wine and spirits all the time -- Vodka. Katerina, however, dismisses the priest's suggestions and even curses her husband as well as the priest as both being "worthless." Marmeladov later dies in Sonya's arms. Raskolnikov then leaves twenty (2) Rubles for the family and then promises his support in the future (where did he get the Rubles?). At this point, another one of Katerina's daughter's, Polenka, chases after Raskolnikov before he leaves the apartment, asking his name; she hugs him and then he, Raskolnikov, asks the little child to pray for him. (why?) It was at this point in the story that Raskolnikov feels at least partially redeemed (is he really?), and then goes to visit his best friend, Razumikhin, who is a little "drunk" from all of the spirits being served at his housewarming party. But, it was also at this point in the chapter when the doctor, Zossimov, feels that Raskolnikov is mad, which is only reinforced by the conversation that the main character had with the police inspector at the Crystal Palace. Raskolnikov is seen as being "partially fainting" and can hardly stand up -- all this because of the doctor's comments. They all return to the main character's room, where they are met by Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dunya, who are both "grief-stricken" over Raskolnikov's appearances. Once he finally collapses on the floor, his best friend takes care of him.

Posted By mea505 at Tue 2 Dec 2008, 9:10 AM in Crime and Punishment || 7 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Part II, Chapter Six

In the beginning of this chapter, Raskolnikov puts on the clothes that were given to him by his friend, Razumikhin (although he continues to resent the fact that he was given new clothes -- recall that from the previous chapter: this also demonstrates that Raskolnikov, although poor and behind rent, does not want to accept anything from anyone), and goes out into the city. Wandering through the streets of the city, he selectively "interrogates" some of the pedestrians with whom he has casual contact, and then later enters The Crystal Palace, orders tea and a newspaper. Question: What is the item called into which they make their tea? In the Crystal Palace, Razkolnikov meets up with one of the police inspectors, Zamyotov -- recall that this is the same inspector who visited with Razolnikov while he was in a stupor and unconscious for the period of three to four days, when he woke up, surrounded by all of his guests. At this point, the police inspector sees that Razkolnikov is apparently "ill-appearing," and begins to tease the police inspector about the two crimes that were recently committed in the city. He later claims to know a lot about both of the crimes and "edges the inspector on" during the teasing phase of the conversation. He actually (almost) confesses to the two crimes right in front of the inspector, in an attempt to arouse the police inspector's suspicion. Question: Why do you suppose he did this? Is this a display of Raskolnikov's "guilt" that he is trying to shed from his own conscious? Later, during the conversation, the police inspector realizes that Raskolnikov is merely teasing him with respect to the two crimes and does not give the conversation a second thought (well, at least not until later in the novel, apparently). Raskolnikov then leaves the tavern and runs into his friend, Razumikhin on the stairway, who criticizes Razkolnikov for venturing out into the city alone (did they plan to go together at an earlier time?), and then he invites Razkolnikov to his own housewarming party, for which he declines and leaves Razumikhin by himself on the stairway, apparently dumb-founded over the entire conversation with his "best" friend. He is found walking alone in the city, and comes up upon the bridge in the city (over which water way is this bridge?), where there was recently a suicide attempt. The suicide attempt actually disgusts Raskolnikov, and he promptly leaves the bridge and wanders throughout the city some more. He finds himself in the front of Alyona Ivanovna's home -- which is the apartment in which the murders were committed -- and, on an impulse, enters the building. In a daze of sorts, he questions two workers who are redecorating the apartment about all of the blood that was previously splashed upon the walls and the floor, which is now all gone. However, Raskolnikov then fails to respond to the workers' questions as to why he is there in the first place; he is then thrown out of the building by the porter. He is then found alone, walking in the middle of the street, where he apparently notices a crowd of people. Question: Why does Raskolnikov decide to re-enter the building where the murders were committed? Is there any benefit in doing so? Does it provide the reader with an insight as to the main character's personality, or guilt?

Posted By mea505 at Tue 2 Dec 2008, 8:52 AM in Crime and Punishment || 5 Replies

Crime and Punishment: Part II, Chapter Five

The stranger who shows up in the front door of Raskolnikov's abode introduces himself as Luzhin; this is Dunya's finance, a very pompous individual who immediately shows resentment towards Razumikhin's "friendly familiarity." This individual makes a large "show" of his own interest toward the "progressive ideas and reform," but in an unsuccessful attempt to impress the younger men in the crowd or the room. Both of them, Razumikhin and Raskolikov treat him with disrespect and a "cold shoulder." Just as Luzhin gets up to leave, the conversation (well, at least with respect to Razumikhin and Zossimov) turns to the recent murders in the city. It is Razumikhin who states that the murders had to be committed by an amateur, since only a few trinkets were removed and most of the money was left, not to be taken by the murderer or the robber. Luzhin breaks into the conversation again to try to impress the younger crowd with his intelligence, but Razumikhin uses this opportunity to criticize his ideas. Raskolnikov, who is "feverish" by this time, then, also enters into the conversation, and later denounces Luzhin for his desire to be his sister's benefactor. Luzhin takes an offense to the comments and storms out of the room. All of the men in the room are literally shocked by the behavior. Raskolnikov angrily shows the door to everyone else in the room. However, on the way out, the doctor makes mention that the conversation about the murders has made Raskolnikov extremely "feverish," which makes him all that much more angry and worried.

Posted By mea505 at Mon 1 Dec 2008, 1:01 PM in Crime and Punishment || 0 Replies

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