Louse or Superman?

Up until Part III of the novel, Raskolnikov is continuing to struggle with himself, and cannot bear the guilt. I was curious as to why Raskolnikov went ahead and committed this atrocity, but things became much more clear when I learned of Raskolnikov’s article. When he arrived with Razumikhin to Porfiry’s he was in good spirits, he was even laughing along with him. Porfiry immediately rubbed Raskolnikov the wrong way. It later became evident that Porfiry had some information on him. Raskolnikov did not expect this. He went to the station to declare that he had pawned some items, and wished to redeem them. Porfiry knows about Rodya’s illness, his strange behavior, and all that he revealed to Zamyotov. Once again, Raskolnikov’s composure is tested. He does not like the game that Porfiry seems to be playing, and one point considered confessing it all. But, aware that it may be a trick, he lets the idea go. As the conversation continues, the topic of crime comes up, and Porfiry announces that he has read Raskolnikov’s article, and would like Raskolnikov to explain further.
Raskolnikov’s theory, which I later learned is called “Ubermensch”, divides humans into two categories : the ordinary and extraordinary. Rodya believes that those who are the “extraordinary” ones have to right, or duty, to transgress the law and make changes. Mainly because the “ordinary” ones are content with the world, and preserve it as it is. They do not think or dare to try to change anything. The “extraordinary” man, or the “superman” takes it upon himself to better the world by stepping over obstacles that deter them from a goal. He mentions great men such as Napoleon and Newton, and justifies them by stating that in order for them to carry out their wishes, and thus improve the world they lived in, some had to be taken out. This relates to Raskolnikov’s superior behavior throughout the novel. Clearly, he considers himself as an “extraordinary” man at one point. He felt that he was better, and that he was destined to do something to break through the obstacles he faced, because as an “extraordinary” being, he had every right to do so. It seems like this theory is what led Raskolnikov to justify the murders, even though he tries to hide that from the rest of the men at the station. He later reveals to Sonya that he killed the old crone because she was merely an obstacle, of no real use to anyone. If he took her out, he would then benefit, and be closer to his goal. Deep down, he wished that he could somehow rise up from his poverty, and protect his mother and sister. As he begins to open up to Sonya, he reveals that this was no longer the case. He killed to prove to himself that he was one of those extraordinary men, just like Napoleon. Defeated, he comes to the conclusion that he simply isn’t. He couldn’t completely step over the obstacle, the guilt wouldn’t let him. Rodya proclaimed that he, too, is nothing but a “louse”. Even though he is a criminal, I began to feel a certain sympathy towards Raskolnikov. I hoped that there could be some way for him to be free, and resume his life. I’m anticipating the ending, and how everything will unfold.
Posted by Wendy C.