Raskolnikov is a man who believes that he is above morality, and that he can justify committing murder based on his own moral beliefs. He believes that the ends justify the means, and that the murder of the pawnbroker will ultimately lead to a greater good. However, as the novel progresses, Raskolnikov's guilt and conscience begin to catch up with him, leading him to become increasingly morally corrupt. He becomes paranoid and isolated, consumed by his own guilt and fear of being caught. The novel illustrates the destructive effects of moral corruption, as Raskolnikov's actions lead to his downfall.
In the story, “The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia,” Candace Fleming creates a captivating story of the Russian Revolution as it unfurled. Conservatively, the bélaya kost thought they had a superiority that nobody else possessed, which I can relate to. Secondly, Rasputin had the ability to sweep women off their feet, even though he is rude and liked to boast, which reminds me of a person I know. Lastly, when Fleming describes the children to be sad and nervous while waiting for their parents, it reminds me of a certain point in my life.
Alyona Ivanovna, the old pawnbroker, is barely human and therefore repellant. Many people who go to her for loans complain that “she always has money to lay out,” but she cheats people by refusing to give them a fair price for the objects that people want to pawn. In addition, “if payment was only one day overdue, the pledge would be lost.” To strengthen the reliability of the opinions of the people, not only does the author, Dostoevsky, include a scene her stinginess towards Raskolnikov, but he also later includes side commentary from random others. The more negative feedback that we receive from characters remarking about her, the more we end up believing the argument that she exploits others during desperate times.
This highlights the still present class system in Russia. Even though serfs had been freed they were still being treated as the lowest class, but in turn they were still free to vote and do everything any other free Russian citizen could do, in theory. Things were still unequal and life was hard for the serfs. Serfs who had recently been freed had no means for income and struggled to provide for their families. This arrangement worked in favor for the Russian government because the freed unemployed serfs would join the army and help Russia fight.
Today in class, I presented about reform ideas during the late 18th and 19th century in Russia, especially focusing on nihilism, socialism, and utilitarianism. The explanation of utilitarianism especially helped me to better understand the beliefs of several characters in Crime and Punishment. Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy that focuses on promoting the happiness of the greatest number of people, even if it means harming a smaller group of people. Those who support utilitarianism believe that an action, such as murder or robber, is morally right if the outcome of the action brings happiness to a majority of the group. The principles of utilitarianism are especially seen in the actions and beliefs of Raskolnikov
Before the 1917 revolution, the Russian empire had been ruled by dictatorial czars for over three hundred years. The Russian society was extremely unequal; the czar and aristocracy lived in wealth and splendor just as any European elite, but most of the people lived in terrible poverty (Harbor 7). Many of those living in poverty worked in the country and were paid as laborers; however, they had to work long hours for low wages. For those living in the city, employment was more regular; nevertheless, circumstances and wages were still very harsh. The conditions of poverty and oppression in the country led many political groups to demonstrate far-reaching reforms (Harbor 8).
Raskolnikov crimes not only ended the lives of the pawnbroker and Lizaveta, but the murders also impacted the lives of Raskolnikov’s friends and family. For example, if Raskolnikov did not kill the pawnbroker, then he would have not gotten better acquainted with Razumikhin. Razumikhin is the one who marries Dunya in the end. Therefore, had Razumikhin never gotten close to him, Razumikhin would have never been able to pursue his love for Dunya. Likewise, Sonya was a woman who came from a very poor family was given a chance due to Raskolnikov’s guilt about his crimes.
Raskolnikov is a very intelligent, prideful man, So much so that the very thought of leaving his house in tattered clothes made him anxious. Raskolnikov also refuses to go to his tutoring job because of this. despite these facts, Raskolnikov has little care for the people and the world around him believing himself to be above them because of his intelligence.
For most people, when reading a book that has to do with someone murdering two old women in cold blood, the thought of that character being the protagonist is certainly not what comes to mind. However, that is not the case when Rodion Raskolnikov is the subject of discussion. That may have to do with the complexity and split of character of Raskolnikov; for even his name “Raskol” is translated into “schism”. Fyodor Dostoyevsky explores his main character’s dual personality in several ways throughout the novel, making it an integral part, emphasizing on how Dostoyevsky managed to create a protagonist in which most readers sympathize with, whereas in almost all other novels, that particular character would be considered an antagonist, and
Crime and Punishment used great use of the Marxist Theory. While the bourgeois earned value through overpowering the lower class. This novel best embodies the Marxist Theory because it is a proclamation of a proletariat, being Raskolnikov is not is the right place in society, struggling from deep poverty and craves the fighting against the common good in society. Johnson 2 As Alyona in Crime and Punishment
He strikingly uncovers his convictions about governmental issues through the primary character's activities. The message of the story spins around the wide thought of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an idea in light of helping out more joy as opposed to individual or restricted bliss. Raskolnikov carrying out his killings mirrors this view by him trusting that his wrongdoing would be better for the world, “A hundred thousand good deeds could be done and helped, on that old women’s money…Kill her, take her money and with the help of it devote oneself to the service of humanity and the good
In Vladek's perspective, objects are more important to Mala, than his own love. Mala and Vladek are aware of the absence of love and its residual effects on them. Between Mala and Vladek, it's just the convenience that keeps their marriage stable. In conclusion, women were expected to be married even if love was not always the origin of their
Vladimir Sorokin's novel Day of the Oprichnik is a scathing critique of present-day Russia. The book is set in a fictional future Russia, where the ruling class has revived the Oprichnina, a brutal system of governance used by Ivan the Terrible in the sixteenth century. Through the character of Andrei Danilovich Komiaga, a high-ranking Oprichnik, Sorokin exposes the corruption, violence, and hypocrisy of modern-day Russia. This essay will discuss Sorokin's satirical approach in the book and how it highlights the problems of contemporary Russia.
The overcrowded apartments and rooms foster poverty. Eviction from his greedy landlord is an ever-looming fear for Raskolnikov. He becomes trapped within the vicious cycle of poverty and place. For example, he pawns a watch to his landlady who offers him a meager amount for the watch. Raskolnikov, Raskolnikov cannot accept anything lower due to his debt to her.
They are able to deal with as well as handle the evil happening. Sonya became a prostitute to help support her family; she kept a strong faith and it leads to an impact on Raskolnikovs life. The women in the novel are portrayed as these strong and open minded women, unlike the men. The men in the novel are portrayed as being confused and burdened.
