Journal Entry 2 (A Street Car Named Desire)
The unhappiness In Stella and Stanley’s relationship reveals itself when Stanley hosts a drunken poker game with his male friends at the apartment. Blanche gets under Stanley’s skin when she starts to win the affection of his close friend Mitch. Stanley has a very animalistic personality, and this shows when he storms into the bedroom, and throws the radio out of the window. And then when Stella yells at Stanley in defense, Stanley beats her. As I read this part I wondered why Stella would be with a man that would hit her, and act completly like a ravenous animal. This told me that Stella has to be very much in love with him, and must see that Stanley's good qualties outweigh his bad ones. As for me I would never be married to a man that was violent and abusive.
In scene seven you finally find out the truth and all of Blanches lies reveal themselves. It is the afternoon of Blanches birthday, and Stanley comes in and reveals to Stella that he knows all about Blanches past. You find out that after losing Belle Reve Blanche moved into a motel which she was eventually evicted from because of her numerous sexual liasions. Also she was never told to take a break for a while from teaching becasue of her "nerves" , she was fired from her job as a schoolteacher because the principal discovered that she was having an affair witha teenage student. As I read this part, I connected the scene when Blanche kisses the teenage boy that comes by to collect money for the newspaper. Blanche seems like the type of person to do just about anything to get money.
3
When I finished the drama, I felt really bad for Blanche even though she pretty much lied about everything from the very beginning. I believe that people do and become certain things, whether they are bad or good based off of their life experiences and what they had been through. Blanche was probaly not always the way that she was, but she became that way because of the suicide of her first husband, obviously it was still something that she thought about everyday, because she would always hear the "poker music". Blanche was a very messed up person, and when Stanley raped her, that probably did not help matters. At the end of the drama Blanche is expecting her rich friend to come pick her up, but really a doctor arrives with a nurse to come pick up Blanche and take her to a mental faciility, Blanche initially panics and struggles againist them when they try to take her away. But the doctor approaches Blanche is more of gentle manner and convinces her to leave with him. She allows him to lead her away and does not look back and say goodbye as she goes. I think that this shows that, Blanche is finally not lieing to herself , and accepting that she needs help, and is not fighting it anymore.
As for Mitch I think he really loved Blanche and cared for her. This was shown when he cried as the doctor took her away. And if Balnche had told Mitch the truth from the beginning of there realtionship things would have been very different. I think he would be a little troubled by it at first, but in the end might accept her past and might be able to move on and look to the future. However that is not what happened and the end result of the drama showed me that.
- Tessy Diaz
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Denise Perez --] Crime and Punishment - Journal # 2
9/7/11
Crime and Punishment - Journal # 2
Quite a lot has happened so far. My character analysis of Raskolnikov was, gravely very right. Although I was a little shocked that he murdered both the pawnbroker and her sister. I suspected Raskolnikov was off, but not that off. (-: I was also a little disturbed as well how the book says he killed them both without hesitation. I guess that’s why it is very dangerous to hate someone, as Raskolnikov did, and to entertain the thought of their demise.
After awhile, things will start to happen that’ll coax you into committing whatever evil you’re thinking of. Which we can see was happening to Raskolnikov when he kept thinking about killing the pawnbroker. There is also the introduction of Raskolnikov’s best friend Razumikhin. He seems to really care for our main character, despite his current bitter attitude, and helps him out a great deal so far.
Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya, seems to really care for him as well, and sounds like a sweet, kind woman to risk her own happiness for the sake of Raskolnikov possibly gaining his life back. Dunya’s fiance Luzhin, despite my hope of him being presented in the story as a gentleman who genuinly loves Dunya, is a real trouble maker and seems to very pompous in attitude. I find it almost sad at the state in which Raskolnikov is now, (though I do commend him on his correct guess on Luzhin’s true nature), and I wonder if his end in the book will be an unpleasant one. He always has a very negative aura residing above him now, and I’m not sure who he is anymore. I don't even think Raskolnikov recognizes himself either at this point, having already committing the crime of killing two innocent people in cold-blood.
Crime and Punishment- Journal # 3
I’m glad that the book ended on a sort of, happy note. Raskolnikov finally does the right thing in confessing to the murders, where justice is served, also with the help of Sonya, Porfiry Petrovich, Razumikhin, (and Raskolnikov’s landlady? (-: ) he receives a “light punishment”. Although, I believe that Sonya’s chracter played an even bigger role towards the end of the story, by pushing Raskolnikov to admit his crimes, and to lead him on the right path to Christianity (or peace in repentance for his sins. ) It was truly touching to read about how Sonya became so dedicated to Raskolnikov(despite his often selfish nature), and to witness their love for each other grow.
Dunya’s marriage to Razumikhin became a happy moment for me as well while reading the last part of ‘Crime and Punishment’, seeing all the hardship she had to go through with dismissing Luzhin, and fighting off Svidrigailov in the apartment, Dunya deserved to finally be with the one she actually loved. This book was truly not what I had expected it to be and greatly consider it to be a classic. Although the it takes a generally long pace, it is rewarding to read, and teaches you a lot about the value of life through the tragic deaths of some of the characters in the story. For example. the death of Katrina Ivanovna, really shows how dangerous a thing it is to have a starvation for wealth and to rely on money to make you happy in life.
Overall, ‘Crime and Punishment’ became a very memorable read for me and highly suggest it for other readers determined to increase their level of reading and writing skills.
Crime and Punishment - Journal # 2
Quite a lot has happened so far. My character analysis of Raskolnikov was, gravely very right. Although I was a little shocked that he murdered both the pawnbroker and her sister. I suspected Raskolnikov was off, but not that off. (-: I was also a little disturbed as well how the book says he killed them both without hesitation. I guess that’s why it is very dangerous to hate someone, as Raskolnikov did, and to entertain the thought of their demise.
After awhile, things will start to happen that’ll coax you into committing whatever evil you’re thinking of. Which we can see was happening to Raskolnikov when he kept thinking about killing the pawnbroker. There is also the introduction of Raskolnikov’s best friend Razumikhin. He seems to really care for our main character, despite his current bitter attitude, and helps him out a great deal so far.
Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya, seems to really care for him as well, and sounds like a sweet, kind woman to risk her own happiness for the sake of Raskolnikov possibly gaining his life back. Dunya’s fiance Luzhin, despite my hope of him being presented in the story as a gentleman who genuinly loves Dunya, is a real trouble maker and seems to very pompous in attitude. I find it almost sad at the state in which Raskolnikov is now, (though I do commend him on his correct guess on Luzhin’s true nature), and I wonder if his end in the book will be an unpleasant one. He always has a very negative aura residing above him now, and I’m not sure who he is anymore. I don't even think Raskolnikov recognizes himself either at this point, having already committing the crime of killing two innocent people in cold-blood.
Crime and Punishment- Journal # 3
I’m glad that the book ended on a sort of, happy note. Raskolnikov finally does the right thing in confessing to the murders, where justice is served, also with the help of Sonya, Porfiry Petrovich, Razumikhin, (and Raskolnikov’s landlady? (-: ) he receives a “light punishment”. Although, I believe that Sonya’s chracter played an even bigger role towards the end of the story, by pushing Raskolnikov to admit his crimes, and to lead him on the right path to Christianity (or peace in repentance for his sins. ) It was truly touching to read about how Sonya became so dedicated to Raskolnikov(despite his often selfish nature), and to witness their love for each other grow.
Dunya’s marriage to Razumikhin became a happy moment for me as well while reading the last part of ‘Crime and Punishment’, seeing all the hardship she had to go through with dismissing Luzhin, and fighting off Svidrigailov in the apartment, Dunya deserved to finally be with the one she actually loved. This book was truly not what I had expected it to be and greatly consider it to be a classic. Although the it takes a generally long pace, it is rewarding to read, and teaches you a lot about the value of life through the tragic deaths of some of the characters in the story. For example. the death of Katrina Ivanovna, really shows how dangerous a thing it is to have a starvation for wealth and to rely on money to make you happy in life.
Overall, ‘Crime and Punishment’ became a very memorable read for me and highly suggest it for other readers determined to increase their level of reading and writing skills.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
David Peraj Journals Crime and Punishment
Journal #1
I have begun to read Crime and Punishment and so far the book has been a little slow. The main character Raskolinkov, who is a former student, has developed feelings of isolation toward other people. He spends most of his time trying to figure out how to pay for his rent and needs to survive. To do this he had pawned his sister’s ring and father’s watch. However he receives the money from Alyona who gives him little. Throughout the story Raskolinov expresses feelings of hypocrisy and confusion. His hypocrisy is due to every time he gives what little money he has he regrets it and states that he never should have cared. His personality and opinions toward other characters are one that I have rarely read as he makes the constant effort to not interact with anyone.
However toward the end of part 1 Raskolinov commits murder of Alyona and her sister. He appears hesitant but finally commits the act in order to gain money. Though his actions caused Raskolinov to kill her sister so there would be no witnesses. The end of part one has the most suspense, action, and keeps the reader guessing as to whether or not Raskolinov can commit and get away with murder.
Journal #2
The novel transitions from the crime of Raskonikov planning and killing Alyona to his dilemma with himself in whether or not to confess the crime of murder. Due to his constant turmoil he is left sick and weak, he is constantly angry and suffers from excessive faints. Raskolnikovs attitude is one of selfishness as he is places his anger toward everyone and somehow deems himself superior which allowed him to committed murder. Sadly Raskolnikov does not appear to be the superior person he thought himself and suffers extensively from the murder. His emotions take a hold of him as he will constantly change based on what is said by the people around him. Since Raskonikov has a hatred of people he cannot restrain himself by constantly becoming agitated and letting his emotions get the better of him.
The characters of Dunya and Razumikhin appear to be opposites of Raskolnikov as Dunya is confronted with constant obstacles and yet maintains her confidence and intellect. Dunya greatly contrasts Raskolnikov as she analyzes what is best as opposed to Raskolnikovs constant outbursts and pushing everyone further and further. She posses the strength of character Raskolnikov had believed he himself had and that is why he eventually succumbed to the anxiety of his crime.
Journal #3
The ending of “Crime and Punishment” is somewhat expected and at the same time lacking. In part 6, Raskolnikov gains strength not by himself but by gaining it from Sonya. However he falters very quickly but she is there to manage to enable him to confess. At his trial Raskonikov is given a lesser sentence due to not knowing how much money he stole and Porfiry Petrovich does not state anything about Raskolnikovs guilt to his crime. It is interesting to see that part 6 and the epilogue appear to be conflicting at times. Raskolnikov still maintains his isolationism from the other prisoners and even has an ambiguous relationship with Sonya. Through his constant turmoil through the book and what appears as his emotions finally coming to a rest we see Raskolnikov revert back to his previous ways of thinking to the point of driving Sonya somewhat away.
I feel the ending was supposed to show Raskolnikov being redeemed as halfway. Though he confesses he still holds on that the reason for the confession was a mistake and not guilt. Raskolnikovs character is very ambiguous as there are points where he is shown to have human interaction with Sonya and yet he seems to believe himself better than others in some form or another. The Epilogue seems to leave Raskolnikovs character in the middle of being truly redeemed or having not changed in the slightest. It should have shown that his character had truly changed in which he understands that he is not above all others and has to accept his humanity regardless of his beliefs toward others.
I have begun to read Crime and Punishment and so far the book has been a little slow. The main character Raskolinkov, who is a former student, has developed feelings of isolation toward other people. He spends most of his time trying to figure out how to pay for his rent and needs to survive. To do this he had pawned his sister’s ring and father’s watch. However he receives the money from Alyona who gives him little. Throughout the story Raskolinov expresses feelings of hypocrisy and confusion. His hypocrisy is due to every time he gives what little money he has he regrets it and states that he never should have cared. His personality and opinions toward other characters are one that I have rarely read as he makes the constant effort to not interact with anyone.
However toward the end of part 1 Raskolinov commits murder of Alyona and her sister. He appears hesitant but finally commits the act in order to gain money. Though his actions caused Raskolinov to kill her sister so there would be no witnesses. The end of part one has the most suspense, action, and keeps the reader guessing as to whether or not Raskolinov can commit and get away with murder.
Journal #2
The novel transitions from the crime of Raskonikov planning and killing Alyona to his dilemma with himself in whether or not to confess the crime of murder. Due to his constant turmoil he is left sick and weak, he is constantly angry and suffers from excessive faints. Raskolnikovs attitude is one of selfishness as he is places his anger toward everyone and somehow deems himself superior which allowed him to committed murder. Sadly Raskolnikov does not appear to be the superior person he thought himself and suffers extensively from the murder. His emotions take a hold of him as he will constantly change based on what is said by the people around him. Since Raskonikov has a hatred of people he cannot restrain himself by constantly becoming agitated and letting his emotions get the better of him.
The characters of Dunya and Razumikhin appear to be opposites of Raskolnikov as Dunya is confronted with constant obstacles and yet maintains her confidence and intellect. Dunya greatly contrasts Raskolnikov as she analyzes what is best as opposed to Raskolnikovs constant outbursts and pushing everyone further and further. She posses the strength of character Raskolnikov had believed he himself had and that is why he eventually succumbed to the anxiety of his crime.
Journal #3
The ending of “Crime and Punishment” is somewhat expected and at the same time lacking. In part 6, Raskolnikov gains strength not by himself but by gaining it from Sonya. However he falters very quickly but she is there to manage to enable him to confess. At his trial Raskonikov is given a lesser sentence due to not knowing how much money he stole and Porfiry Petrovich does not state anything about Raskolnikovs guilt to his crime. It is interesting to see that part 6 and the epilogue appear to be conflicting at times. Raskolnikov still maintains his isolationism from the other prisoners and even has an ambiguous relationship with Sonya. Through his constant turmoil through the book and what appears as his emotions finally coming to a rest we see Raskolnikov revert back to his previous ways of thinking to the point of driving Sonya somewhat away.
I feel the ending was supposed to show Raskolnikov being redeemed as halfway. Though he confesses he still holds on that the reason for the confession was a mistake and not guilt. Raskolnikovs character is very ambiguous as there are points where he is shown to have human interaction with Sonya and yet he seems to believe himself better than others in some form or another. The Epilogue seems to leave Raskolnikovs character in the middle of being truly redeemed or having not changed in the slightest. It should have shown that his character had truly changed in which he understands that he is not above all others and has to accept his humanity regardless of his beliefs toward others.
Siera Evans---Streetcar
Journal#2 - A Streetcar Named Desire
I’m halfway through the book and boy, did it get spicy! It turns out that I was right on my chracter analysis for Stanley. After I read about him assaulting Stella, everything positive that I felt about him went out the window. The fact that Stella just went on back to him suprises me even more. How foolish can she be? Here I thought she was the sensible character of the book, but I guess I was wrong about her. Once a man puts his hands on you, there is no second chance ( at least in my opinion).
Then, when we finally get a little sneak peak at Blanche’s past in scene six, is where the story really turns tragic. I would never have expected the twist that explained the death of Blanche’s first husband. If I found out about my husband being...well you know. I would be “messed up” too. The relatinship between Mitch and Blanche is kind of cute as well, and I believe that’s the only thing that’s keeping Blanche stable at this point.
Finding love must really be importent to her emotionally. Which is why I guess she kissed the delivery guy out nowhere...I guess to make herself feel better. My fear is that Stanley will be the cause of their split. It’s very clear that he doesnt like Blanche, at all, and is really trying his best to tear her down, pull out all the cards he can on her, saying that she was once a very popular prostitute at a cheesy hotel, and even going so far as spreading it to other people. Ultimately, it looks like he wants to just get rid of her.
I wonder if Stella even knows the real truth about her sister, because even with the mystery of her precious husbands death revealed, Blanche’s history is still unknown.....
Journal#3 - A Streetcar Named Desire
After I finished this book, all I could do was be sad. I felt extremely sorry for Blanche, who I now see is really the main focus of the play all along. I kind of understand what Mitch did to Blanche, he clearly loved her, but the rumors that Stanley and the other men must have spread at the factory only shook his feelings for her. After all, Blanche did admit in a way that she lied to him and told him the truth about her past at the “Tarantula” and Laurel. If I were Mitch, and I had just heard that my girlfriend, was indeed an “ex-entertainer” at a shady hotel, already “involved” herself with a numerous amount of men before she came here, and was also involved with a seventeen year old, which was the reason she had lost her previous job, I would be pretty upset too. Definitely not the type you would want to bring home to your mother (-: . However, I still cant help but feel sorry for Blanche.
I don't think she really intended to lie to Mitch, but to just ‘protect’ him from the truth of what she once was, and if it wasn't for Stanley, she probably could have started fresh in New Orleans with Mitch. Although, the truth is always the way to go, because whatever you do in secret, will eventually come to the light so its better to tell the truth, even if it hurts. Now what happened when Stanley came back after, mind you, his wife was about to give birth to his child, was just disgusting and vile. How in the world you could posses yourself to sleep with your wife’s sister is beyond me. In my mind, Stanley is now the exact definition of a brute, savage, animal, who deserves to get a piece of his own pie given to him. How, Stella could not believe Blanche, her own sister, about what happened is beyond me as well. Instead of throwing the “animal” out of the house, she agrees with Stanley and throws her own sister out, guided by the idea of Blanche’s loss of sanity.
Sure Blanche had a little bit of problems, but I’m sure they could have been worked out if Stella payed more attention to her, but how harsh can she be, putting her own sister in a nuthouse!
Overall, I loved ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and was absolutely mesmerized by the dramatic twists and turns that followed each scene. This book is definitely a ‘must read’ and I’m sure would be enjoyed in RKA if given the chance on stage.
I’m halfway through the book and boy, did it get spicy! It turns out that I was right on my chracter analysis for Stanley. After I read about him assaulting Stella, everything positive that I felt about him went out the window. The fact that Stella just went on back to him suprises me even more. How foolish can she be? Here I thought she was the sensible character of the book, but I guess I was wrong about her. Once a man puts his hands on you, there is no second chance ( at least in my opinion).
Then, when we finally get a little sneak peak at Blanche’s past in scene six, is where the story really turns tragic. I would never have expected the twist that explained the death of Blanche’s first husband. If I found out about my husband being...well you know. I would be “messed up” too. The relatinship between Mitch and Blanche is kind of cute as well, and I believe that’s the only thing that’s keeping Blanche stable at this point.
Finding love must really be importent to her emotionally. Which is why I guess she kissed the delivery guy out nowhere...I guess to make herself feel better. My fear is that Stanley will be the cause of their split. It’s very clear that he doesnt like Blanche, at all, and is really trying his best to tear her down, pull out all the cards he can on her, saying that she was once a very popular prostitute at a cheesy hotel, and even going so far as spreading it to other people. Ultimately, it looks like he wants to just get rid of her.
I wonder if Stella even knows the real truth about her sister, because even with the mystery of her precious husbands death revealed, Blanche’s history is still unknown.....
Journal#3 - A Streetcar Named Desire
After I finished this book, all I could do was be sad. I felt extremely sorry for Blanche, who I now see is really the main focus of the play all along. I kind of understand what Mitch did to Blanche, he clearly loved her, but the rumors that Stanley and the other men must have spread at the factory only shook his feelings for her. After all, Blanche did admit in a way that she lied to him and told him the truth about her past at the “Tarantula” and Laurel. If I were Mitch, and I had just heard that my girlfriend, was indeed an “ex-entertainer” at a shady hotel, already “involved” herself with a numerous amount of men before she came here, and was also involved with a seventeen year old, which was the reason she had lost her previous job, I would be pretty upset too. Definitely not the type you would want to bring home to your mother (-: . However, I still cant help but feel sorry for Blanche.
I don't think she really intended to lie to Mitch, but to just ‘protect’ him from the truth of what she once was, and if it wasn't for Stanley, she probably could have started fresh in New Orleans with Mitch. Although, the truth is always the way to go, because whatever you do in secret, will eventually come to the light so its better to tell the truth, even if it hurts. Now what happened when Stanley came back after, mind you, his wife was about to give birth to his child, was just disgusting and vile. How in the world you could posses yourself to sleep with your wife’s sister is beyond me. In my mind, Stanley is now the exact definition of a brute, savage, animal, who deserves to get a piece of his own pie given to him. How, Stella could not believe Blanche, her own sister, about what happened is beyond me as well. Instead of throwing the “animal” out of the house, she agrees with Stanley and throws her own sister out, guided by the idea of Blanche’s loss of sanity.
Sure Blanche had a little bit of problems, but I’m sure they could have been worked out if Stella payed more attention to her, but how harsh can she be, putting her own sister in a nuthouse!
Overall, I loved ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and was absolutely mesmerized by the dramatic twists and turns that followed each scene. This book is definitely a ‘must read’ and I’m sure would be enjoyed in RKA if given the chance on stage.
Nikki Dudelson- Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment - Journal #1
The first impression I get of Raskolnikov is that he has a superior way about him, meaning that he thinks he's better than everybody. It's interesting how even after he does a nice thing for Marmeladov's family by leaving them the small amount of money before he left their house, he immediately has bad thoughts about them. Then why did he leave the money in the first place? Then he gets the letter from his mother about his sister getting married, and he starts crying. I think he cries because his sister is sacrificing herself just like Sonya is, and that gets to him. Then the walk in the park where he confronts the older man makes me think that everything that is wrong or unfortunate in the world just upsets Raskolnikov, yet there's nothing he can do about the wrongs which just make him angrier. Especially with the dream this is verified, and how he calls out against bad things but it does no good. Maybe that's why he wants to commit this terrible act that he's thinking of, to get revenge of some sort, or to let out his anger. Then he goes to the pawnbrokers house, and it shocks me that he actually ends up killing her, and her sister. I can't help but wonder why he did it...
Raskolnikov goes to the police station because he hasn't paid rent, and he gets paranoid because he thinks the police know about the murders. I think his crazy dreams, hallucinations, and deep sleeps are definitely a major part in what he imagines and his personality. He may have some sort of illness, like schizophrenia. Then we are told he hasn't been fully conscious for four days, and I wonder what has really happened. Has he imagined the killings? I start to feel nervous when Zossimov and Razumikhin realize that the talk of the murders start to irritate Raskolnikov. He's definitely getting crazier, especially with the police inspector's conversation as well as the workmen in the pawnbroker's apartment. Afterwards however with the scene at Marmeladov's, he starts to feel better about himself and his sick acts, because in a way he made up for them by helping Marmeladov's family. Once Razumikhin ends up taking care of him after how sick Raskolnikov is, I think he's going to end up cracking and telling the truth, if he's not just hallucinating it all.
2
After Razumikhin declares his attraction for Dunya, an immediate lightbulb goes off in my head that it could possibly end up dangerous. Raskolnikov is angry, and he already doesn't like Dunya's husband-to-be, so I can't imagine what he'd end up doing to his own friend. After Raskolnikov faints at the saying "guilty for no one's death," it's clear that he can't hold it together, and the murders are truly getting to him and making him overly paranoid. It's interesting how Raskolnikov doesn't know his own article was published, and how interestingly enough he included in the article how some men are entitled to commit murder. Maybe, all along, this idea was in his mind as he did commit the murders, and that's why it's not that big of a deal to him. The book at this point is just creepy, how the stranger calls him a murderer and his dream about Alyona and how she's laughing, and even worse, how he wakes up to a stranger in his own room. Maybe it's karma.
The stranger Svidrigailov appears in his room to basically ask to marry Dunya, explaining the death of his wife, Marfa. It's interesting how Raskolnikov wonders if Svidrigailov is insane and could have potentially murdered his wife, when Raskolnikov has also committed murder. After the dinner with Luzhin, Raskolnikov's strange, inconsistent behavior appears again, and after he leaves and tells everybody that they can't follow him, his friend realizes he's the murderer. It's interesting to me how Raskolnikov is concerned that people will realize he did it, yet he makes no effort to cover it up, especially with his crazy behavior. I kind of knew after Raskolnikov left the money with Sonya and her family that he liked Sonya. I don't think it's in a passionate way, he just looks at Sonya as a confused, young girl, who doesn't know the evils of the world yet, and maybe he likes Sonya because he feels she's easy to be around. I'm not sure if Raskolnikov is simply hallucinating all the scenes in the police station that Nikolai confessed to murdering the pawnbroker, and suddenly the stranger apologizes to him, but it's almost too good to be true. There's no way Raskolnikov got off the hook that easily.
3
I wasn't sure what to think of the memorial dinner at Marmeladov's, if it was climatic or just the usual. Katerina in a way reminds me of Raskolnikov, thinking he's better than everybody else when really he isn't. I wasn't too sure what to get out of the scene where Luzhin accuses Sonya of stealing the one hundred rubles, even though he really placed them in Sonya's pocket. Clearly Luzhin is a bad guy and just wants attention, and hopefully this part with Sonya was his last. We finally find out why Raskolnikov committed the murders, as he tells Sonya. Sonya's reaction is interesting, the fact that she promises not to abandon him. Maybe she's just scared that he'll kill her too, which he probably wouldn't because he actually likes Sonya, but she seems like a genuinely good person.
I find it very interesting that Porfiry comes by blatantly telling Raskolnikov that he's the murderer, but he feels bad for him and he would put in a good word with the judge. Even the fact that he says in case Raskolnikov commits suicide, to let him know where the stolen goods are. Svidrigailov is a disgusting man with all that happens with Dunya. I'm sure Dunya ends up believing what Svidrigailov says when he mentions he overheard Sonya and Raskolnikov's conversation about Raskolnikov confessing to the murders, but he tells Dunya he would rape her. I think his dream represents the fact that he knows he's strange with his obsession with young girls, but I don't understand why he kills himself. I think it was good that he confessed, but I don't think he would've done it without Sonya watching him. He knew Sonya was a good influence even though she did terrible things to provide for her own family, but he obviously listened to her, and she made an impact on his life.
I liked the ending of the book in the epilogue because it finally comes together that Raskolnikov did love Sonya, he wasn't "too good" for her or anything like that. I also like how he began reading the New Testament that Sonya gave him, further showing her good influence on him. The book could've ended with Raskolnikov dying, but instead it ended that it was a renewal, which signified that everything ended to be okay.
The first impression I get of Raskolnikov is that he has a superior way about him, meaning that he thinks he's better than everybody. It's interesting how even after he does a nice thing for Marmeladov's family by leaving them the small amount of money before he left their house, he immediately has bad thoughts about them. Then why did he leave the money in the first place? Then he gets the letter from his mother about his sister getting married, and he starts crying. I think he cries because his sister is sacrificing herself just like Sonya is, and that gets to him. Then the walk in the park where he confronts the older man makes me think that everything that is wrong or unfortunate in the world just upsets Raskolnikov, yet there's nothing he can do about the wrongs which just make him angrier. Especially with the dream this is verified, and how he calls out against bad things but it does no good. Maybe that's why he wants to commit this terrible act that he's thinking of, to get revenge of some sort, or to let out his anger. Then he goes to the pawnbrokers house, and it shocks me that he actually ends up killing her, and her sister. I can't help but wonder why he did it...
Raskolnikov goes to the police station because he hasn't paid rent, and he gets paranoid because he thinks the police know about the murders. I think his crazy dreams, hallucinations, and deep sleeps are definitely a major part in what he imagines and his personality. He may have some sort of illness, like schizophrenia. Then we are told he hasn't been fully conscious for four days, and I wonder what has really happened. Has he imagined the killings? I start to feel nervous when Zossimov and Razumikhin realize that the talk of the murders start to irritate Raskolnikov. He's definitely getting crazier, especially with the police inspector's conversation as well as the workmen in the pawnbroker's apartment. Afterwards however with the scene at Marmeladov's, he starts to feel better about himself and his sick acts, because in a way he made up for them by helping Marmeladov's family. Once Razumikhin ends up taking care of him after how sick Raskolnikov is, I think he's going to end up cracking and telling the truth, if he's not just hallucinating it all.
2
After Razumikhin declares his attraction for Dunya, an immediate lightbulb goes off in my head that it could possibly end up dangerous. Raskolnikov is angry, and he already doesn't like Dunya's husband-to-be, so I can't imagine what he'd end up doing to his own friend. After Raskolnikov faints at the saying "guilty for no one's death," it's clear that he can't hold it together, and the murders are truly getting to him and making him overly paranoid. It's interesting how Raskolnikov doesn't know his own article was published, and how interestingly enough he included in the article how some men are entitled to commit murder. Maybe, all along, this idea was in his mind as he did commit the murders, and that's why it's not that big of a deal to him. The book at this point is just creepy, how the stranger calls him a murderer and his dream about Alyona and how she's laughing, and even worse, how he wakes up to a stranger in his own room. Maybe it's karma.
The stranger Svidrigailov appears in his room to basically ask to marry Dunya, explaining the death of his wife, Marfa. It's interesting how Raskolnikov wonders if Svidrigailov is insane and could have potentially murdered his wife, when Raskolnikov has also committed murder. After the dinner with Luzhin, Raskolnikov's strange, inconsistent behavior appears again, and after he leaves and tells everybody that they can't follow him, his friend realizes he's the murderer. It's interesting to me how Raskolnikov is concerned that people will realize he did it, yet he makes no effort to cover it up, especially with his crazy behavior. I kind of knew after Raskolnikov left the money with Sonya and her family that he liked Sonya. I don't think it's in a passionate way, he just looks at Sonya as a confused, young girl, who doesn't know the evils of the world yet, and maybe he likes Sonya because he feels she's easy to be around. I'm not sure if Raskolnikov is simply hallucinating all the scenes in the police station that Nikolai confessed to murdering the pawnbroker, and suddenly the stranger apologizes to him, but it's almost too good to be true. There's no way Raskolnikov got off the hook that easily.
3
I wasn't sure what to think of the memorial dinner at Marmeladov's, if it was climatic or just the usual. Katerina in a way reminds me of Raskolnikov, thinking he's better than everybody else when really he isn't. I wasn't too sure what to get out of the scene where Luzhin accuses Sonya of stealing the one hundred rubles, even though he really placed them in Sonya's pocket. Clearly Luzhin is a bad guy and just wants attention, and hopefully this part with Sonya was his last. We finally find out why Raskolnikov committed the murders, as he tells Sonya. Sonya's reaction is interesting, the fact that she promises not to abandon him. Maybe she's just scared that he'll kill her too, which he probably wouldn't because he actually likes Sonya, but she seems like a genuinely good person.
I find it very interesting that Porfiry comes by blatantly telling Raskolnikov that he's the murderer, but he feels bad for him and he would put in a good word with the judge. Even the fact that he says in case Raskolnikov commits suicide, to let him know where the stolen goods are. Svidrigailov is a disgusting man with all that happens with Dunya. I'm sure Dunya ends up believing what Svidrigailov says when he mentions he overheard Sonya and Raskolnikov's conversation about Raskolnikov confessing to the murders, but he tells Dunya he would rape her. I think his dream represents the fact that he knows he's strange with his obsession with young girls, but I don't understand why he kills himself. I think it was good that he confessed, but I don't think he would've done it without Sonya watching him. He knew Sonya was a good influence even though she did terrible things to provide for her own family, but he obviously listened to her, and she made an impact on his life.
I liked the ending of the book in the epilogue because it finally comes together that Raskolnikov did love Sonya, he wasn't "too good" for her or anything like that. I also like how he began reading the New Testament that Sonya gave him, further showing her good influence on him. The book could've ended with Raskolnikov dying, but instead it ended that it was a renewal, which signified that everything ended to be okay.
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