At the beginning of Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky introduces Raskolnikov as a young man full of scorn, contempt, and pride. Though he is a poor student and is dressed in tattered rags, Raskolnikov feels no sense of embarrassment, for he views himself to be superior to the filth in his neighborhood; infested with drunks and prostitutes which may be the source to his misery and irritable moods. Raskolnikov is described to be a man that wants to isolate himself from the society he is surrounded by, yet the lack of human compassion he has in his life forces Raskolnikov to attempt to be compassionate himself, as inferred from chapter 2. After meeting Marmeladov in a tavern and indulging themselves with alcohol, they retreat back to Marmeladov’s home, where he is greeted with scorn from his wife because he has used all the money for his alcoholic needs. Raskolnikov stands there, observing the sufferable conditions the family is forced to endure, with children wearing tattered clothes, crying, and the wife being sick, yet a very proud and empowered woman. Overwhelmed by remorse and compassion, Raskolnikov manages to sacrifice some money and places it on the windowsill. It is at this moment that readers can acknowledge that despite Raskolnikov’s hasty judgments and scorn for society, he is still able to feel compassion for those in horrible conditions. Yet that compassion is short lived, as he soon replies, “What a stupid thing I’ve done. They have Sonia and I want it myself,” as he begins to regret giving the money to the Marmeladovs, for they have their daughter Sonia who is able to prostitute herself to support the family. In this chapter, readers can understand that Raskolnikov attempts to be compassionate, yet his impaired judgment of an inferior society causes him to further detach himself from the human world.
Posted by Jennifer J.
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How do you explain the fact that Raskolnikov is so compassionate and feeling at some times and at other times is hard and cold? Does this seem inconsistent, or realistic to you?
ReplyDeleteRaskolnikov's shifts in emotions can be seen as realistic, rather than inconsistent. In a way, Raskolnikov can be seen as a lost child without parents -- alone in a big world filled with strange people and nobody truly there for him, thus resulting in tension when speaking to strangers. His isolation from other people can also reflect as to why he is hard and cold at times; he criticizes and judges others because he is not fond with how other people waste their lives (such as the men at the taverns). However, Raskolnikov in general Is compassionate to those he cares for, such as his mother and sister. Raskolnikov views things differently, resulting in him being seen as "hard and cold", but is also compassionate and does seem to care for others, just not directly.
ReplyDeleteI think that at times Rodion has lost touch with reality, wasting it on battling himself and his actions. Like when he beats himself up over giving the family money. He seems to never be content with his actions.
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