In part I of the story, Raskolnikov is described and can be easily characterized as a nihilist individual filled with scorn and tension toward society -- perhaps even feeling ostracized by humanity. He was filled with ambivalence on whether or not to commit a crime he believed would benefit many; constantly contemplating over whether or not to commit an irrevocable crime that would either gain him praise or indefinitely condemn him. After he commits the said crime, the story truly begins to unfold and certain changes begin to arise.
The first thing to note after the crime is the fact that it did not impact humanity what-so-ever. Thanks to Raskolnikov's tension while committing the crime and the unexpected murder of Lizaveta, he did not necessarily steal everything he had planned to (he even dropped a box with earrings while fleeing). The items he actually managed to steal were hidden by him under a stone in fear that they would be found anywhere in his "closet" and be used as evidence against him. In the end, Raskolnikov failed in accomplishing what had been his real intention, but he still committed the irrevocable crime that will continue to effect him until the end.
Before and after the crime, Raskolnikov has been plagued by an illness/fever that renders him weaker than ever. What I find interesting about this illness is how whenever the crime is mentioned near Raskolnikov, it exacerbates, such as in chapter I of part II where Raskolnikov overhears and passes out right after hearing Ilya Petrovich and Nikodim Fomich conversing over the crime in the police station. This illness can very well be caused from an assimilation of all of Raskolnikov's negative thoughts along with feelings of hypochondria that drown his mind -- perhaps even being completely mental rather than physical.
Raskolnikov himself has also changed after the crime; not just it terms of illness, but in character. In chapter I of part II, Raskolnikov is shown arguing with the police chief's assistant (lieutenant) and later arguing over his case at hand (being in debt with the Landlady) -- this is an argumentative side of Raskolnikov never shown before in the book. In chapter VI of part II, Raskolnikov goes outside and starts randomly interrogating people (something that seems strange considering he is or was so anti-social). Raskolnikov even begins conversing with Zamyotov (a police official) inside a cafe and almost confesses to his crime. In chapter VII of part II, we witness yet another new side to Raskolnikov. In this chapter, he shows full-fledged compassion after seeing Marmeladov -- who has been trampled by a horse and carriage. He tries his best to help him, and in the end after Marmeladov dies a sad death, Raskolnikov gives Marmeladov's family all his money and offers to help them in the future. Are these perplexing actions and emotions ostensible or is the character of Raskolnikov truly developing as the story progresses?
Near the end of part II, Raskolnikov says, "Away with mirages, away with false fears, away with spectres!...There is life! Was I not alive just now? My life hasn't died with the old crone! May the Lord remember her in his kingdom, and--enough, my dear, it's time to go! Now is the kingdom of reason and light and...and will and strength....and now we shall see! Now we shall cross swords!". This quote indicates that Raskolnikov is ready to move on and face the "darkness". Will he truly manage to move on or will he continue to suffer emotionally? How will the connection with Marmeladov's family change him later on?
posted by Anthony M.
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Why do you think Raskolnikov almost confesses his crime to Zamyotov in the cafe? Why does he engage the policeman in that conversation? He is constantly afraid that his crime will be discovered-- so why does he play with Zamyotov in this way?
ReplyDeleteRakolnikov almost confesses his crime to Zamyotov in the cafe purely out of a wild impulse; an instinctual urge to reveal what he has done. He is seen playing around with the police officer, but in reality, his conscience is probably telling him to confess even though he himself is scared to be discovered. This can be seen later on when he revisits the scene of the crime and again almost confesses to two workmen; insisting that they go with him to the police.
ReplyDeleteRaskolniknov’s near slip was due to his subconscious urge to reveal the truth to Zamyotov. Raskolniknov was being tormented from the inside and viewed his encounter with the man as a possible escape from his problems. However, Raskolniknov’s ranting simply made him appear like a madman, and not a madman capable of committing such a horrendous crime.
ReplyDeleteI am also curious to see how Raskolniknov’s relationship with the Marmeladov family will grow. The chapter in which he rescued the father and insisted on caring for him in his house was warm and seemingly out of character. I was also surprised when Raskolniknov offered to help the family out financially, despite his miserly disposition. When he hugged one of the middle Marmeladov daughters and asked her to pray for him, I hoped that he would soon turn over a new leaf and engage in more positive behavior to try to redeem himself. I have yet to see how this experience has affected Raskolniknov’s character and actions on a large scale though.