Journal #1
This book really requires you to think about what the author may be trying to get across at certain points. It also is not a book that you can just race through, especially because of the often complex vocabulary and lengthy plot used to tell the story. The book does not also follow a classic storyline or format; it is unique and has a dark mood. The mood is dark because of his lack of wealth, loneliness, and the aura of the murder. Raskolnikov was compelled to proceed with the murder (well, eventually murders but originally it was only supposed to be Alyona), not only because of money, but because he felt it would be somewhat of a beneficial deed to society.
Though it does not seem like my favorite book so far, I am keeping an open mind while I read on. I have a feeling that things could progress and it could turn out to be a great book. After all, it is well known for a reason…right?
Journal #2
A common theme I have noticed throughout the book is that the plot keeps switching back and forth between whether or not Raskolnikov is close to being caught for the crime of the murder (or even just suspected of it). Scenarios arise at various points which draw attention away from him (including a confession to the murder at one point by a worker in the building – even though it is a confession that is not fully believed), but the focus always seems to find its way back to Raskolnikov. One main reason is that whenever the murder is discussed, he gets into a panic and even fainted at one point.
I think that Raskolnikov will certainly not end up just being found innocent or disregarded as a suspect for the crime. When he is found guilty or goes to jail, I believe it will occur after a highly dramatic scene. I think there’s a twist on the way that I have no way of predicting yet. I’ll have to see but I’d be surprised if he did not end up found guilty by the end of the book.
Journal #3
“He went on down the stairs and came out into the courtyard. There in the courtyard, not far from the entrance, stood Sonya, pale, numb all over, and she gave him a wild, wild look. He stopped before her. Something pained and tormented, something desperate, showed in her face. She clasped her hands. A hideous, lost smile forced itself to his lips. He stood a while, grinned, and turned back upstairs to the office.” Pg. 530
Just before Raskolnikov was about the walk the path of “freedom”, he encounters Sonya. If Sonya had not followed him and been there at that moment, it’s more than likely that Raskolnikov would have never confessed or been found guilty. However, her being there and his love for her causes him to turn back and do what he originally intended to do was when he headed to the police station.
Although some may view Sonya as either an evil or great person for this act, you can’t deny that she truly thought she did what was right for Raskolnikov because after he went to jail she stuck by him. She could have been with him outside of jail all that time and spent much more time with him, but she knew he had to confess and face his punishment for things to be right.
I knew, from the beginning, that even though Sonya had entered a bad lifestyle and sold herself for money that she had a kind soul and had every intention of doing this for not herself but her family. Sonya was selfless and in the end going to be the one to change Raskolnikov. He needed her in order to confess and even though I think he should have done it for himself and not because of her, she was still a focal point in his confession.
ReplyDeleteI felt the dark mood of the story too, starting out with the main character troubled and in poverty. The suspense from Raskolnikov experience with authorities, being suspected of murder and thought innocent, back and forth along with his own paranoia was interesting. It reminded me of Hamlet in a way, how he contemplated killing his uncle. But Raskolnikov was similar to Hamlet in that his decision (to confess) was effected by a female character, Hamlet by Ophelia and Raskolnikov by Sonya.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your first impression of the book, Mr. Sommer. It seems boring, yet also promising. I've often had to reread entire pages to grasp a meaning, the words cannot be skipped over; and it can't be skimmed, because at any one point, a pivotal character or pivotal moment could be present.
ReplyDeleteI like your use of quotes in your journals, because most of the time, reading other people's journals, I can't remember what they're making connections to. But with your quotes, I can remember what part of the story your referring to. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I disagree with Christine when she said that he should have confessed for himself. Yes, he should have, but because of Sonya, he did. He was only strong enough to confess because of Sonya's love and support.
And Gabriel, I also made the connection to Hamlet in my journal entries. I felt that there's a lot more parallels between Hamlet and Raskolnikov, like the fact that they both experienced death of innocent people when they were young, which fueled them throughout their lives to ultimately cause them to do what they did.
Its interesting in Jack's 3rd journal how he discusses the fact that one simple act could entirely change the course of events. Raskolnikov could simply have gotten away with his murders but one look at his true love and the guilt was brought right back to him. If he had never seen her, if he simply made his way back up the stairs, he could have been free. This is how many things in life are, little events that often change the course of the rest of our days.
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