Crime and Punishment Review assignments

Reviewing Crime and Punishment

Chapters: Foreword: xii – xx
Title: Genesis of Crime and Punishment
Plot Summary: This part of the novel explains how Dostoevsky developed the novel Crime and Punishment. Dostoevsky originally planned on writing two separate novels. One would be about drunkards and the other one would be about “the psychological account of a crime.” Dostoevsky ended up combining these two ideas into one novel. In the foreword, it explains how Dostoevsky developed his theme of Nihilism, the idea of superman, Christianity, and poverty. We also learn that Dostoevsky based most of the novel on actual events that were occurring during the time he wrote the novel. The foreword also explains the meanings of the names in the novel. Each name had a certain translation that related to the character.Key quotation: “There were now three plots instead of one; and we begin to see something of Dostoevsky’s method of composition in this juxtaposition….”

Part I: Chapter I
In this chapter, we’re introduced to a few characters. The main character, Raskolnikov, is portrayed as a poor college student who’s barely able to make money. Alyona Ivanovna is a little old woman, making a living as a pawnbroker. Chapter one discusses the first time these two characters meet. Raskolnikov wants to sell her a silver watch for more than what she thinks it’s worth. When she names her price for the watch, he takes it and walks off angrily. The chapter ends with Raskolnikov making his way into a bar.* * *

If this chapter were given a title, I would probably name it “The Meeting.” This title has various meanings for this chapter. It’s here where the reader gets a first glimpse of Raskolnikov. Also, the title refers to parts of the plot. A quote that stands out to me is, “I wonder, what are people so afraid of? A new step, their own word, that’s what I’m afraid of…” The quote is talking about how moving on can be fearful. This is very significant to the rest of the book because it conflicts with what Raskolnikov wants to do next. Whenever he’s in a situation, he’s afraid to proceed because he feels he might do something wrong. Much of this fear is observed in the murder scene. All and all, the quote reflects Raskolnikov throughout the story.

Part I: Chapter II – To Pity or to Forgive –
Raskolnikov meets Marmeladov at a bar, who begins to tell him a story of the misery his family goes through. He explains to Rasko about how his wife is extremely sick, and how Sonya tries her hardest to support the family + his drinking habits, even to the point of prostituting herself. The participation of the rest of the pub in the conversation leads to them finally returning to Marmeladov’s place. Faced with the poverty they live in, Raskolnikov flees in relief after Katerina scolds her husband for having spent all the money, and chases Raskolnikov away.
Quote (Page 23) Why pity me you say? Yes! There’s nothing to pity me for!... do you think, that this bottle of yours brought me sweetness? Sorrow, sorrow I sought at its bottom… tasted it and found it…”

Part I: Chapter III -
The Letter
Key quotation: “Although Pyotr Petrovich has been so good as to take upon himself part of the cost of our trip to the capital- that is he has volunteered to pay for the delivery of our luggage and the bid trunk (somehow through his acquaintances)… ”
Summary: Raskolnikov gets a letter from his mother which talks about Dunya being harassed by her employer (Mr. Svidriguilov), Dunya being branded as a tramp by everyone (Mrs. Svidriguilov spread the rumors), and how Dunya’s name became cleared (when Mrs. Svidriguilov, saw the letter Dunya wrote to her employer saying she would not tolerate that kind of behavior, she went around and told everyone that Dunya was not a tramp). The mother also talks about Dunya’s engagement with Pyotr Petrovich, who doesn’t care if Dunya is from the working class or if she doesn’t have a dowry.

Part I: Chapter III -
It’s all just a dream, Or is it? Plot Summary: This is the morning after Raskolnikov was introduced to Marmeladov and his family, He awakes to a room he despises and his day already starts off rather joyless. Nastasya (the maid) brings Raskolnikov breakfast along with daunting message from his landlady telling him she wants to evict him. Along with his breakfast Nastasya brings him a letter from his mother regarding his sister Dunya and the fact that her reputation was nearly ruined and she was no longer is able to support him, but that she found her “savior” and how she’s getting engaged and hopefully her husband will be able to help Raskolnikov. Reading the letter “face filled with tears” his mindset transformed from upset to violent he went out and walked through the streets of St. Petersburg “talking aloud to himself” being mistaken for drunk.
Quote: “He laid his head on his skinny, bedraggled pillow and thought, thought for a long time. His heart was beating violently, and the thoughts surged violently”

Part I: Chapter V -
To Do or Not To DoPlot SummaryIn this part of the book, we encounter Rasklinkov talking to himself of whether or not he should talk to Razumkin. After getting a drink on his way back home, he falls asleep on a grass and dreams of a childhood memory in which he witnesses a mane being beaten to death by its owner, who insists that she gallops. Rasklinkov awakens in sweat and fear; on his way home, he goes through the Haymarket where he overhears Lizaveta state that she will be out of the house between six and seven the following day, leaving the pawnbroker Alyona Ivanovna home alone.

Title I have titled this part of the book “To Do or Not To Do” because in the reading we encounter several characters who are in argument with each other over different things. The inspiration for this title is from William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in which Prince Hamlet contemplates whether he should kill or spare his uncle whom he believes is responsible for the death of his father. Similar to Hamlet, Rasklinkov debates whether or not he should talk to Razumkin but decides not to for the moment. When he awakens from his dream, he couldn’t believe that he wanted to commit such an evil deed as killing another human being with an axe but then again is inspired to kill when he overhears a conversation Lizaveta was having with a trades man about coming back the next day between six and seven. This window of opportunity seemed perfect for Rasklinkov who was eager to find a chance to have the old lady by herself. Lizaveta is also a perfect example of the title for she is also debating with herself whether she should come back the next day at the designated time and risk getting a beating by her half-sister. Overall the title is perfect for this part of the book and even the whole book in general because these internal conflicts drive the characters to behave, act and rationalize in a certain way.

Key-Quotation“I knew very well I could never endure it, so why have I been tormenting myself all this while?” - Rasklinkov

This is a very important quotation that actually fit’s the title of the reading. Rasklinkov says this quote after waking up from a dream in which he saw a mane being beaten to death by its owner. The owner of the mane beats the mane to death by using a metal shaft while a spectator shouts “Take an axe to her! Finish her off fast.” The metal shaft resembled the axe that Rasklinkov was determined to use to kill Alyona Ivanovna. This might be some sort of an indication that what Rasklinkov plans might have an outcome that similar to the mane’s. When waking up from the dream, Rasklinkov was prepared to call off the murder. This quote definitely explains the extent of the effect the dream has had on Rasklinkov.

Part I: Chapter VII - The Ironic Murder
This chapter begins with Raskolnikov knocking on the door of Alyona Ivanovna's apartment. She doesn't know that he has come to her on such short notice to kill her, so the reader already has a sense of suspense starting this chapter. It goes on to reveal every single thought or emotion that Raskolnikov feels throughout the adrenaline rush of killing two people. His plan is a success, she has fallen for the fake "sliver case" and instead gets murdered and robbed. The surprise of Lizaveta appearing was a nice dramatic scene in this chapter, not knowing what to do Raskolnikov panics and kills her too. We see the flaws in his plan and what his state of mind was throughout the entire act. The sense of feeling as if you are the main character is achieved wonderfully in this chapter. The chapter ends with Raskolnikov almost getting caught with the two dead bodies and collapsing on his coach.

Quote: "He felt himself becoming flustered, almost frightened, so frightened that it seemed if she were to look at him like that, without saying a word, for another half minute, he would run away from her." (75)Title Name: Obscure Experience

Part II: Chapter II
A more delirious and confused side of Raskolnikov is revealed. He has just killed the Ivanovna sisters and keeps on checking himself to make sure he didn’t leave anything behind at the crime scene. In his mind, Raskolnikov is questioning himself about the previous events while walking around town half-concious. He finds himself at Razumikhin’s house, who offers him some money and soon after moves on. He then reaches home only to find the landlady being beaten by the police chief’s assistant. Raskolnikov later asks Nastasya why the assistant beat up the landlady. She’s surprised by his question, and tells him that it never happened. Raskolnikov was having a delusion. This chapter relates much to the quote found in chapter one. Therefore, I see this chapter being called “Fear and Delusion.” Much of Raskolnikov’s mental illness and fears are depicted here. He’s hardly concious as he’s walking through the town and he’s having delusions. He’s also very paranoid, which explains why he keeps on checking himself. The quote I find fasacinating from this chapter is, “I’ve tormented and tortured myself, without knowing myself what I’m doing… and yesterday, and the day before yesterday…” This is the moment where I see Raskolnikov realizing that he’s just committed a horrible crime. I think he knew at first he had done something wrong, but it didn’t occur to him at first how bad the crime was. This is the first time we see a more human side of Raskolnikov, which is ironic since he just murdered the Ivanovna sisters.

Part II: Chapter III Raskolinkov is up one morning and realizes the many individuals that are always around him. Along with Nastasya and Razumikhin, he receives a money statement from his mother. This is supposed to help him with some basic living need. The mental state of Raskolinkov is questionable; which is why Razumikhin assumes the role of caretaker in this chapter.

Part II: Chapter V -
“Suspicious Behavior”
Reasoning for the title: Raskolnikov is clearly showing dramatic responses to the conversation throughout the chapter. By the end of the chapter, even the other characters have begun to notice it and become suspicious of Raskolnikov.

Summary: Raskolnikov meets Luzhin, the fiancé of Dunya, for the first time, and automatically despises him. Raskolnikov is reeling from the affects of his murders and lies sick on the couch. While doing so, Zossimov and Razumikhin are discussing what kind of person the murderer was, clearly agitating Raskolnikov. After tolerating the conversation for a while, Raskolnikov throws everyone out of the apartment and after being kicked out, Razumikhin, Zossimov and Natasya realize that Raskolnikov is not merely sick, but acting extremely strange. “… Of course I noticed it! He gets interested, frightened. He got frightened the very day of his illness…” (pg 153) This quote spoken by Razumikhin is significant because as the reader, we realize that the other characters are starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together and that Raskolnikov’s hidden secrets may be discovered..

Part III: Chapter I - The Meeting
Key quotation: “‘Listen, sister,’ he repeated to her back, summoning a last effort, ‘I’m not raving; this marriage is a vile thing. Maybe I’m vile myself but you mustn’t… one is enough… and though I maybe vile, I will not regard such a sister as a sister.’”

Summary: Raskolnikov meets his mother and Dunya for the first time in three years. Raskolnikov tells Dunya to and her engagement with Pyotr Petrovich and he also says that she is only marrying Pyotr Petrovich for his sake. Raskolnikov then tells his mother, Dunya, and Razumikhin to leave him alone, so they leave but reluctantly. When Razumikhin walks Dunya and her mother to the place there are staying at he kept on assuring them that he will look after Raskolnikov. An interesting situation also turns up Razumikhin starts to take an interest in Dunya.

Part III: Chapter II – More than just a letter
Razumikhin wakes up with feelings emotions that are associated with Dunya. When he visits this woman and her mother, he learns about Luzhin’s letter. In the letter, Dunya’s fiancé states that he doesn’t want to see Raskolinkov because of his rude actions towards him. Razumikhin remains helpful to Dunya and Pulcheria; while finding time to assist Raskolnikov’s recovery.
Key Quotation Page 211

Part III: Chapter III – Dunechka’s Fire
This chapter starts off with Raskolnikov setting aside his internal conflicts (aftermath of the murders) in hopes to be polite to his family, Razuhmikin and Zossimov. He begins to apologize sternly to his mother, for not having visited earlier, and for having used her money to aid Sonya and her mother. As the conversation persists, Dunya continuously crosses whatever Raskolnikov in a very harsh sibling-like way. (Almost exactly what you’d expect from a younger sister with her older brother) Finally she breaks out saying she’s is marrying for her personal purpose only, and by inviting Raskolnikov to a dinner, Luzhin’s reaction should change nothing if he really cares for her. Quote (Page 230):(talking about the watch) “Ah look at the size of it__ almost too big for a lady.”Dunya: “I like it like that.”

Part IV: Chapter I – Forgiveness
Plot SummaryIn this part of the reading, Rasklinkov wakes from his sleep to see a shadow standing above him, after attempting to ignore this person as a dream but is forced to accept the reality that the shadow is an actual person named Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov. Svidrigailov claims to have arrived in Petersburg to proclaim his love to Dunya and that he is willing to give her 10,000 rubles if she calls off the wedding she is planning to partake in with Luzhin, whom Svidrigailov claims is related to. Rasklinkov is very defensive as he talks to Svidrigailov and continues to be skeptical about the purpose of Svidrigailov’s visit. In addition to the 10,000 rubles, Svidrigailov claims that his late wife has left Dunya another 3,000 rubles in her will thus increasing the suspicion Rasklinkov has of Svidrigailov. I have titled this part of the reading “Forgiveness” because of the fact the only reason that Svidrigailov has arrived and is talking to Rasklinkov is to help him gain the acceptance of Dunya. I feel sympathy for Svidrigailov because he has been hurt a lot. In his story to Rasklinkov, he claims to have been a slave and that his wife took advantage of him. Svidrigailov doesn’t hide the fact that he has love for Dunya and this love is to blame for the forgiveness he is looking for. Svidrigailov is an interesting character whom we encounter as being weak, lost and alone in this world. He has lost everything and only looks to gain one thing and that is to gain the forgiveness of Dunya whom he claims he has hurt when she was working at his house. Man came from dust and he is destined to return to dust according to the bible. Svidrigailov is getting older and I assume that before he goes to the next life, he wants to rid himself of sins and the most important is forgiveness.

Key Quotation“Could you not somehow avoid asking any questions about sister or mentioning her name? I don’t understand how you even dare to utter her name in my presence, if you are indeed Svidrigailov.” - RasklinkovThis is a perfect quotation that proves that Rasklinkov still cares about his sister regardless of what she has done in the past. He has wasted all the money that she was acquiring through prostitution and now through the upcoming marriage with Luzhin. Rasklinkov appreciates everything his sister has done for him and the family and regardless of how low he might have went, he still has the ability to defend his sister. As a brother, it is normal for Rasklinkov to treat a person who confesses his love for his sister in a disrespectful tone and attitude. It is also understandable that Rasklinkov defends his sister after her name has been diminished while working at Svidrigailov’s house.

Part IV: Chapter II - “Love cannot be bought, but you sure can try.”
Reasoning for the title: Luzhin wants to marry Dunya because she is poor and he wants her to feel indebted to her. But he never really stood a chance with Dunya as long as Raskolnikov was there to ruin it. So in a way, the marriage was over before it even started and Luzhin’s money was no longer of any importance to Dunya. Summary: Raskolnikov is informed that a couple characters, Porfiry Petrovich and Zamyotov now believe that he is the culprit behind the murders. Luzhin basically gets into an argument with the Raskolnikov family. After all the characters meet, the Raskolnikov family, Razumikhin and Luzhin (and a few others), Luzhin begins to spread rumors he has heard about Svidrigaylov, the beginning of a conversation that goes horribly wrong for Luzhin. He inevitably fails to win over Dunya, mainly due to Raskolnikov’s extreme dislike of him and also because he is a pompous jerk. “…You’ve got nothing to do with it, so spit on them; we’ll have a laugh on them afterwards…” (pg 295) This quote has importance, for one because it shows how much Raskolnikov’s friends cared about him, and he still became a murderer. And two, because it was another mind game that started to take its toll on Raskolnikov. He becomes worried what his friend will think, and of course what will happen to him next. This is also important because it foreshadows the event in which Razumikhin discovers the truth about Raskolnikov.

Part IV: Chapter III This chapter begins with Pyotr going on about how he can not believe Dunya has ended their engagement. He comes off very conceited and narcissistic, and this negativity makes the reader happy that Dunya isn't with a jerk like him. The chapter quickly changes from Pyotr's point of view to the omniscient point of view. A conversation is introduced between Dunya, Pulcheria, Razumikhin, Raskolnikov and his mother about the break- up and what they were going to do next. Raskolnikov like always isn't speaking...just listening and appearing very anti-social. From there the intelligent side of Raumikhin is showed through his brilliant plan on how to make money, its during his discussion of his idea where Raskolnikov feels so unattached to his surroundings that he chooses to leave and not knowingly makes a scene. He offends his mother and sister and leaves them thinking he is suffering from an illnes.
Quote: "Its not as if you were burying me or saying good-bye forever,.....though, who knows, maybe this is the last time we'll see each other."(312)

Part IV, chapter 6

In this scene, Raskolnikov is essentially in the middle of possibly confessing to the murder when suddenly a man by the name of Nikolay comes and confesses. This saves Raskolnikov even though Porfiry Petrovitch doesn’t necessarily believe Nikolay. As result of this, Raskolnikov feels he has successfully gotten away with the murders because all blame has been removed from him, and he looks forward to getting on with his life. He thinks he truly has committed a crime without punishment.
Potential title: “Moving on is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard”
Key Quote: “Knowing his nervous temperament and from the first glance seeing through him, Porfiry, though playing a bold game, was bound to win.”

Part IV New Beginnings

At the very beginning of this chapter Svidrigailov appears unexpectedly in Raskolnikov’s room where he tried to prove to Raskolnikov that he is the better suited man to marry Dunya. In addition to his bizarre approach, Svidrigailov tries to provide an explanation as to why he was rude to Dunya when she was the servant in his house. In the next part, Raskolnikov and Razumikhin met up with his sister, mother and Luzhin (his sister’s fiancé). Luzhin proves to be a rudely arrogant man who offends everyone there and as readers we get a glimpse of what role he would be playing in the novel’s sub-plot (the love story of Dunya and Razumikhin) as Dunya decided to break off her engagement with him. In addition at the very end of this chapter Raskolnikov leaves his family in the care of Razumikhin, a trustworthy friend, and there is a change from his previous self-absorbed characteristics. “in fact, I’m not particularly interested in anyone’s opinion and therefore why not be a vulgar fellow for a while” pg 284

Part V: Chapter III
Title: The Accusation
The chapter starts with a fight going on between Katerina and the landlady, when Luzhin appears. Katerina immediately seeks his help against the landlady, but he instead brushes her off and and goes to Sonya, accusing her of stealing a 100 ruble bank note from him. Katerina rushes to Sonya's defense, saying that Sonya would sooner give him money than take from him, and that he was free to search Sonya's pockets for the money. However, Lebezyatnikov soon interferes, actually accusing Luzhin of planting the money on Sonya, and argument which is soon joined in by Raskolnikov, who explains that Luzhin was most likely trying to embarass Raskolnikov because of his association with Sonya (Raskolnikov previously quarrelled with Luzhin about Dunya). Luzhin, then cowed, insults both Raskolnikov and Lebezyatnikov and leaves. After his departure, Katerina and the landlady continue their fight, and the Marmeladovs are ultimately evicted from their home.
Quote: p. 397 'The cries of the poor, consumptive, bereaved Katerina Ivanovna seemed to produce a strong effect on the public. There was so much pathos, so much suffering in her withered, consumptive face, contorted by pain, in her withered lips flecked with blood, in her hoarsely crying voice, in her sobbing, so much like a child's, in her trusting, childlike and at the same time desperate plea for defense, that they all seemed moved to pity the unfortunate woman.'

Part V: IV Confession
This is the chapter where Raskolnikov confesses his crime to Sonya. At first Sonya assumes that he committed the crime dude to his poverty and the temptation of getting the money from Alyona, the old lady. However, Raskolnikov soon reveals to Sonya his reasoning behind the crime, his superman theory. Moreover, Sonya was able to use her religion to unburden Raskolnikov from his guilt when she convinces him to confess.“I only killed a louse, Sonya a useless, nasty, pernicious louse.”

Part V: IV
Title: Honesty is the Best Policy
Summary:The scene opens up at Sonya’s place. The main idea of this chapter is that Raskolnikov confesses his crimes (mercilessly killing Alyona Ivanova, and Sonya’s friend (and Alyona Ivanova’s sister) Lizaveta) to Sonya. Sonya is shocked at first, but is quick to forgive, and comfort Raskolnikov. She tells him the story of Lazarus, and asks Raskolnikov to turn himself in if he wishes to have peace with God. Raskolnikov obliges, and Sonya gives him a wooden cross for hope.

Part VI, chapter 2
In this scene Porfiry Petrovitch visits Raskolnikov it his lodging and tries to get him to confess about the murders. Porfiry uses bait such as “mitigation of sentence” to try an entice Raskolnikov into confessing. In the end Petrovitch is totally convinced Raskolnikov is the killer because of how he reacts to the idea, and the partial confession he presents. Overall Petrovitch helps us to visualize Raskolnikov’s guilt.
Potential title: Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Key Quote: “Seek and ye shall find” -Porfiry Petrovitch

Part VI: Chapter III
Title: The Threat
Svidrigailov is found by Raskolnikov at a cafe being entertained in the backroom by a singer. Raskolnikov banters around with Svidrigailov for a while, before finally becoming wound up and perturbed. Raskolnikov threatens to kill Svidrigailov if he tries to force his will upon Dunya, especially if he uses the information he has about Raskolnikov. Svidrigailov begins to discuss his life and women, including some comments that make Raskolnikov find him 'depraved.' Svidrigailov just laughs at him, and makes Raskolnikov sit back down when he gets up to leave by mentioning raskolnikov's sister, Dunya.

Part VI: V
Title:Through Force Nothing is Truly Achieved
Quote: “‘So you don’t love me?’… ‘Never!’ whispered Dunya…A moment of terrible, mute struggle passed in Svidrigailov’s soul.” P. 497.
Summary:Raskolnikov was deceived in believing that Svidrigailov was going to leave to the Islands, and refused to follow him. Therefore, Dunya was gullible enough to believe Svidrigailov’s letter and followed him to his apartment. Here he tells her about the murder, and that her brother could be saved if she would accept to love him. However, once Dunya says she will never love him, he lets her go.

Part VI: VI Title: A Journey to the New world Plot summary: Svidrigailov commits suicide with Dunya’s gun. But before that visits Sonya giving her a 3 thousand dollar-ruble bond assuring her that her family will be just fine, then telling her with that money she must use to it bring Raskolnikov to Siberia. After that he visits his fiancés family house and gives them fifteen thousand rubles, he tells them he’s going away but does not tell them where, after leaving finds a young girl out in the cold takes her in, then that next morning takes his own life. Quote: “oi, dat’s not allowed its de wrong place! Achilles roused himself, his pupils widening more and more. Svidrigailov pulled the trigger”

Epilogue II
Title:The Revival
Quote: “How it happened he himself did not know, but suddenly it was as if something lifted him and flung him down at her feet. He wept and embraced her knees…Infinite happiness lit up in her eyes; she understood, and for her there was no longer any doubt that he loved her, loved her infinitely, and that at last the moment had come….” P. 549.
Summary:Raskolnikov seemed to be living a superficial suffering, where he did not see the purpose of it or why he was enduring it. For him his crime was only a bundle and something without meaning. However, after realizing what Sonya meant to him, and realizing how much he loved her, he saw the purpose of life. Raskolnikov along with Sonya waited patiently for the next seven years that would bring them happiness.