arnawut
8th September 2007, 19:16
Crime and Punishment
In Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is faced with the dilemma of confessing to two savage murders in defiance to his theory of a "superman", a man whose superior intellect and eventual goal are reason enough to use any measure needed in the accomplishment of that goal. Determined to prove himself superior, Raskolnikov attempts to refrain from doing his immoral obligation of confessing to the crime. This inner struggle is further pronounced by the anxiety felt by Raskolnikov, and the psychological pain he experiences affirms the novel's theme of redemption though suffering.
In Crime and Punishment, the inner conflict is introduced when Raskolnikov murders a decrepit pawnbroker and her daughter. Raskolnikov, who rationalized since the world disliked the pawnbroker her death would be a blessing, makes several errors in killing the woman. These errors, which included half closing the door to the victim's room, nearly getting caught twice, and shoddy concealment of his tracks, are in strict contrast to Raskolnikov's grand idea of himself being a superman, Raskolnikov felt that the police were incompetent and the only reason criminals got caught was because they were stupid, having regressed mentally during their actions. Raskolnikov, with his purported superior intellect, should therefore have no trouble eluding the police. Therefore, Raskolnikov felt torn between his guilty conscious and his determination to prove himself superior to other men.
The struggle within Raskolnikov resulted in severe inner turmoil. Owning only one pair of socks, Raskolnikov was mortified by the sight of the blood on them. Raskolnikov became delusional, imagining the beating of his landlady. His anxiety and fear became so great that he went into seclusion for a period of four days. This reaction of "laying low" was countered by an emotional visit to the police station on an unrelated matter. Raskolnikov becomes weary of everyone, and longs to tell of his deeds, repeatedly starting to say something, but never quite able to finish. Spiraling towards insanity, Raskolnikov must also deal with the guilt of having his mother and sister know of his dastardly actions. The relief Raskolnikov feels is evident in the books tone after he confesses. He is much more relaxed and appreciative of what he has. This change shows Raskolnikov was experiencing great strife.
Raskolnikov suffered immensely, as described above. In his mind he relived his actions over and over again. The aforementioned change in the book's tone reflects Raskolnikov's redemption through the suffering. Cast away to Siberia for eight years, he maintains a high optimism for the good and clothing his given. Having long contemplated whether or not to turn himself in, the relief he felt when finally doing so was great. Symbolically, when Raskolnikov takes up religion while in exile, he becomes Christ in that through his suffering, redemption was achieved; not for the world, but for himself.
Raskolnikov's redemption and salvation through Christ are clearly evident in the novel. Raskolnikov acknowledged his mortal status (he was not a superman) and was able to come to grips with the evils he had done. The crime, his punishment, and all the anguish in between, surely show how through suffering, personal salvation can occur.
Source: "NOVELS: Crime and Punishment (http://library.thinkquest.org/23846/library/novels/crimeand_01_nov.html)"
In Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is faced with the dilemma of confessing to two savage murders in defiance to his theory of a "superman", a man whose superior intellect and eventual goal are reason enough to use any measure needed in the accomplishment of that goal. Determined to prove himself superior, Raskolnikov attempts to refrain from doing his immoral obligation of confessing to the crime. This inner struggle is further pronounced by the anxiety felt by Raskolnikov, and the psychological pain he experiences affirms the novel's theme of redemption though suffering.
In Crime and Punishment, the inner conflict is introduced when Raskolnikov murders a decrepit pawnbroker and her daughter. Raskolnikov, who rationalized since the world disliked the pawnbroker her death would be a blessing, makes several errors in killing the woman. These errors, which included half closing the door to the victim's room, nearly getting caught twice, and shoddy concealment of his tracks, are in strict contrast to Raskolnikov's grand idea of himself being a superman, Raskolnikov felt that the police were incompetent and the only reason criminals got caught was because they were stupid, having regressed mentally during their actions. Raskolnikov, with his purported superior intellect, should therefore have no trouble eluding the police. Therefore, Raskolnikov felt torn between his guilty conscious and his determination to prove himself superior to other men.
The struggle within Raskolnikov resulted in severe inner turmoil. Owning only one pair of socks, Raskolnikov was mortified by the sight of the blood on them. Raskolnikov became delusional, imagining the beating of his landlady. His anxiety and fear became so great that he went into seclusion for a period of four days. This reaction of "laying low" was countered by an emotional visit to the police station on an unrelated matter. Raskolnikov becomes weary of everyone, and longs to tell of his deeds, repeatedly starting to say something, but never quite able to finish. Spiraling towards insanity, Raskolnikov must also deal with the guilt of having his mother and sister know of his dastardly actions. The relief Raskolnikov feels is evident in the books tone after he confesses. He is much more relaxed and appreciative of what he has. This change shows Raskolnikov was experiencing great strife.
Raskolnikov suffered immensely, as described above. In his mind he relived his actions over and over again. The aforementioned change in the book's tone reflects Raskolnikov's redemption through the suffering. Cast away to Siberia for eight years, he maintains a high optimism for the good and clothing his given. Having long contemplated whether or not to turn himself in, the relief he felt when finally doing so was great. Symbolically, when Raskolnikov takes up religion while in exile, he becomes Christ in that through his suffering, redemption was achieved; not for the world, but for himself.
Raskolnikov's redemption and salvation through Christ are clearly evident in the novel. Raskolnikov acknowledged his mortal status (he was not a superman) and was able to come to grips with the evils he had done. The crime, his punishment, and all the anguish in between, surely show how through suffering, personal salvation can occur.
Source: "NOVELS: Crime and Punishment (http://library.thinkquest.org/23846/library/novels/crimeand_01_nov.html)"