Crime and Punishment: Chapter Two

In Chapter Two, we see that Raskolnikov meets Marmeladov in the Tavern. Marmeladov is a government official who is also a drunkard, dressed in tattered clothing, as he recently threw his uniform away. Although he is drunk, he has an air of dignity and one of education; and despite the many jeers from the other patrons in the Tavern, he continues to tell Raskolnikov his own life story. Married to a proud woman of a noble background (Katerina Ivanovna), he is scared to go home, as he has squandered all of his money (and her earnings) on the booze. The narrator tells us that Katerina married Marmeladov out of pure desperation following a terrible first marriage as well as her own disinheritance.

Recently, Marmeladov managed to regain employment as a member of the civil service, which raised his wife's hope; however, because of a five day drunkard stupor, he has recently (also) lost his job, and therefore, again, he is afraid to go home -- at least alone.

After Marmeladov does arrive home -- he brought his "new-found friend" with him, his wife grabs him about the hair, and drags him into the small apartment. It is also suggested that his wife is ill as well as agitated -- even before the arrival of her husband. This is most likely due to the financial problems they face, along with having three children in a small abode.

Question: What does Marmeladov represent to the author, and to the main character, Raskolnikov? Marmeladov is an interesting, paradoxical figure, in that he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions even though he does acknowledge that his own behavior is most likely the root of his family's problems. But, why is this important to the story?

Question:Does Marmeladov's suffering constitute a major sub-plot for the novel? Why?

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Originally Posted by mea505

Marmeladov is an interesting, paradoxical figure, in that he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions even though he does acknowledge that his own behavior is most likely the root of his family's problems.

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There are striking parallels between Marmeladov and Raskolnikov, now and much later. Marmeladov is in denial, close to despair and is supported by the angelic prostitute, Sonia.

I found interesting the good (for lack of a better term) side of Raskolnikov shown in the following: "As he was leaving Raskolnikov managed to thrust his hand into his pocket and pull out whatever coins he had left in change from his ruble. He put them unnoticed on the windowsill."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mea505

Question: What does Marmeladov represent to the author, and to the main character, Raskolnikov? Marmeladov is an interesting, paradoxical figure, in that he refuses to accept responsibility for his actions even though he does acknowledge that his own behavior is most likely the root of his family's problems. But, why is this important to the story?

Question:Does Marmeladov's suffering constitute a major sub-plot for the novel? Why?

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Nothing to Raskolnikov, he is only used for relation between Sonya and Raskolnikov.
No. Why?

Dori, do you see Raskolnikov as a bad one? Except crazy idea, he is totally normal and kind.

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Originally Posted by bazarov

Dori, do you see Raskolnikov as a bad one? Except crazy idea, he is totally normal and kind.

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I see Raskolnikov as having two distinct sides: one being philanthropic, kind, and gentle, the other being nasty and evil enough to contemplate---and execute---murder. He is much more than simply good or bad. Far from normal, I would say.

This is the exact essence of the novel, "Crime and Punishment." The first two sections deal with the crime, whereas the latter sections deal with the punishment. But, the novel also deals with the main character's level of compassion for his fellow man, which is why he left the money on the window sill. While he was about to commit a terrible crime, he still had such compassion for people.