Chapter one starts out by describing Raskolnikov’s tense state, resembling hypochondria (excessive worrying about one’s health.) I wasn’t quite sure how he had hypochondria up until the point where Raskolnikov finally committed the murder. Though he was continuously scornful of society’s inhabitants and impoverished environment, the character’s mental deterioration quickly comes into play once he kills the pawnbroker. It almost seems as though Raskolnikov’s romanticized dreams of the “ideal murder” were quickly dulled into oblivion when he realized that his compulsive, fickle, and capricious paranoia was setting himself up for a corroding mental state. Raskolnikov’s perspective of the murder led himself to believe that he would reap praise, appreciation, and mostly human affection that he desperately longed for. Yet it becomes clear that Raskolnikov’s memories of the grisly murder are rife with regret in the bloody details and his conscience. When interrogated by inspectors, Raskolnikov contemplated admitting to murdering the pawnbroker and her sister in hopes of freeing himself from the heavy burden, and to perhaps win back redemption from society. Despite his attempts in confessing, Raskolnikov still continues to invent new excuses, and his pride fosters his need to justify his actions. Not only does the murder lead to detrimental effects on his mental state, but the consequences and guilt of murder take a toll on Raskolnikov’s health; he is forced to cope with fevers, colds, shivers, and delirious actions.
Despite Raskolnikov’s incessant rants of being freed from blame, his perspective is still confined towards awaiting horrible consequences and condemnation. I wonder what effects the environment, new types of stress, situations, and relationships will have on Raskolnikov as time progresses? With all luck, or misfortune, they will mold him into a more complete, affectionate person; or into a guilt-ridden delirious man who continues to go astray from society.
posted by Jennifer J.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Do you think that Raskolnikov is a realistic character? Can you imagine someone like him actually existing?
ReplyDeleteRaskolnikov is indeed a realistic character. At first sight, he can easily be characterized as crazy or weird, but that doesn't necessarily mean there aren't people like him in real life. He has psychological issues that isolate him from others, but there are many who have similar issues. Raskolnikov's agony after committing the crime and signs of hypchondria dwelling inside of him can also be experienced by anyone under Raskolnikov's condition. Every individual in this world is different one way or another (and have their own problems), so it is not hard to imagine somebody like Raskolnikov actually existing.
ReplyDeleteI think that Raskolniknov is a realistic character as well. Although this novel is not set in modern times, Raskolniknov clearly has modern issues with which many of us can identify. Throughout history and literature, individuals and groups of people have isolated themselves from society due to their disgust with its inhabitants and the mainstream customs of which many of these inhabitants partake. In literature, this theme is very common, (ie: Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye) as well as in history (ie: the transcendentalists.) Moreover, the human conscience alone can be overpowering; anyone who commits a crime or sinful act at some point in his life may be besieged with mental and physical consequences. I cannot directly sympathize with Raskolniknov because I have never committed such a crime, but the psychological instability he experiences in the novel is part of human nature.
ReplyDelete