Part I, Chapter I--Symbolism

Why may the temperature or time of year be important in this section of the novel?

Part I, Chapter I--Inference

Throughout this chapter, Raskolnikov responds in what ways to various other people, and why?

Part I, Chapter II--Understanding other Cultures

What do you learn about Russian culture from Katerina Ivanovna’s marriages, her reactions to others, such as Lebeziatnikov and Marmeladov, and their reactions to her?

Part I, Chapter III-Evaluation

What questions should a person have nowadays about Pulcheria's perceptions of Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin as described in her letter, and are these valid questions for the 1850’s in Russia about a future spouse?

Part I, Chapter 1V--Characterization

Why does Raskolnikov begin thinking of Razumihin and in what way does Razumihin act as a foil for Raskolnikov at this point in the novel?

Part I, Chapter V--Symbolism

Why was the detailed description of the area of Vassilyevsky Ostrov and the Lesser Neva included here?

Part I, Chapter VI--Rhetorical Devices

How are specific rhetorical devices used to make the last sentence of the chapter more powerful?

Part I, Chapter VII--Conjecture

Why does the feeling of “loathing” repeat itself here as it did in Raskolnikov's imagination in the beginning of the book?

Review of Part I

Consider the possible reasons for why Fyodor Dostoyevsky writes this novel? At this point, evaluate the effectiveness of the imagery throughout this part of the book, and project possible lessons the author may be trying to teach. Evaluate the effectiveness of his teaching.