Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoevsky Stats Originally published

Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoevsky

Stats ¨ Originally published in 1866 – 12 installments in The Russian Messenger – Later published in a single volume ¨ Dostoevsky’s 2 nd full length novel post-exile (“mature period”)

Is murder permissible in pursuit of a higher purpose? ¨ Novel focuses on guilt and moral ambiguity of the protagonist ¨ An ex-student kills a pawnbroker for her money – to use money to help others – to rid the world of a parasite on society ¨ His theory – Some people are naturally equipped to fix society, and therefore have a right to do so

Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov ¨ Protagonist ¨ Third person omniscient – Radical in its time – Puts the reader close to Raskolnikov ¨ Raskol = schism or split – “raskolnik” is “one who splits” or “dissenter” – the verb “raskalyvat” means “to cleave”, “to chop”, “to crack”, “to split” or “to break” – Also suggests “rascal”

Sofia Semyonovna Marmeladova ¨ AKA Sonia or Sonya and Sonechka ¨ Daughter of Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov, a drunk ¨ Prostitute (a “soiled dove” or “hooker with a heart of gold”) ¨ Moral foil for Raskolnikov – Source of strength and rehabilitation for him

Porfiry Petrovich ¨ Detective in charge of Lizaveta and Alyona Ivanova’s murders ¨ Like Sonia, moves R. toward confession through psychological games ¨ Convinced of R. ’s guilt, but has no concrete evidence ¨ Name suggests the Neo-Platonic philosopher – Also means “purple”, or “purple cloak”

Dmitri Prokofich Razumikhin ¨ “Razum” = reason, rationalism, intelligence ¨ Raskolnikov’s best friend ¨ Represents conflict between faith and reason ¨ Interested in R. ’s sister, Dunya

Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova ¨ R. ’s sister, AKA Dounia, Dunya, or Dunechka ¨ Former nanny to Svidrigailov’s children; forced out by rumors ¨ Engaged to marry Luzhin – R. does not approve of the marriage – Stalked by Svidrigailov, who wants to blackmail her into marriage ¨ Interested in Razumikhin

Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin ¨ “luzha” means “puddle” ¨ Offers to marry Dunya – Only interested because she is destitute and good looking – Wants her to be utterly dependent upon him financially ¨ Attempts to frame Sonya – Lebezyatnikov, his roommate, foils plan

Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov ¨ The Bad Guy (main antagonist) ¨ Pervert, murderer, petty criminal, blackmailer ¨ Mirror of Raskolikov – Causes Raskolinikov family destitution – Commits random acts of kindness – Loves Dunya

The Victims ¨ Alyona Ivanovna: mean, old pawnbroker – Hoards money – Societal leech/ parasite ¨ Lizavetta Ivanovna: Alyona’s handicapped sister – Innocent; not R. ’s intended target

Other Victims (? ) ¨ Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladova – Marmeladov’s consumptive wife – Mother to Polina/Polechka – Stepmother to Sonia ¨ Nikolai Dementiev – Demented painter who confesses to R. ’s crime ¨ Pulkheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikova – R. ’s clueless mother, blinded to and by reality ¨ Praskovya Pavlovna Zarnitsyn and Nastasya Petrovna – R. ’s landlady and her servant

What’s in a Name? Name Russian Meaning Raskolnikov Luzhin Razumikhin Zamyotov Lebezyatnikov Marmeladov Svidrigailov Raskol Luzha Razhum Zametit Lebezit Marmelad Svidrigailo Schism; dissenter Puddle Reason; mind To notice To fawn or to cringe Marmelade or jelly 15 th cent. Lithuanian Duke Porphiry Petrovich Porphyry Neo-platonist philosopher

Themes ¨ The freedoms offered by Rationalism and Utilitarianism are a perpetual revolt against God, society, and the self. ¨ Western ideas will lead to the decline of Russian civilization. ¨ In short, “Russian Nihilism” is bad.

Symbols to Talk About ¨ Dreams – The horse dream ¨ The Cross – A cross to bear – Bearing the cross together ¨ Saint Petersburg – City as symbol of R. ’s moral decay

Structure and Symmetry ¨ Six parts and an epilogue ¨ Parts I-III deal with R. ’s rationalist pride, IV-VI deal with his irrational humility ¨ Odd parts deal with R. ’s relationship with family (mother, sister, mother-surrogate) while even parts deal with R. ’s relationship with the state ¨ Crime and Punishment : : Greek tragedy and Christian redemption tale