Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel, Crime and Punishment, asks readers to consider their lives and the lives of those around them. Consider the questions, and respond with at least one full, well-written paragraph in standard-English per questions. Participation in this activity will lead you to a deeper understanding of the novel and further your training in close reading. Enjoy your time here.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
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?
Raskolnikov begins thinking of his friend Razumihin, when he realizes that he has been heading towards his house, after his run in with the drunken young girl, her creepy stalker and the police. Razumihin is most definitely a foil for Raskolnikov because he is everything that Raskolnikov is not. Dostoevsky goes to great lengths to stress how true this is by giving a vivid description of Razumihin and his personality: “…exceptionally good-humored and candid youth, good-natured…dignity lay concealed under…simplicity…extremely intelligent…no unfavorable circumstances could crush him” (Dostoevsky 54), and so on, with Raskolnikov being the complete opposite due to his lack of an ability to tolerate anything or anyone but himself.
Raskolnikov begins thinking of his friend Razumihin, when he realizes that he has been heading towards his house, after his run in with the drunken young girl, her creepy stalker and the police. Razumihin is most definitely a foil for Raskolnikov because he is everything that Raskolnikov is not. Dostoevsky goes to great lengths to stress how true this is by giving a vivid description of Razumihin and his personality: “…exceptionally good-humored and candid youth, good-natured…dignity lay concealed under…simplicity…extremely intelligent…no unfavorable circumstances could crush him” (Dostoevsky 54), and so on, with Raskolnikov being the complete opposite due to his lack of an ability to tolerate anything or anyone but himself.
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