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 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?
Nowadays, a person should question why Pulcheria is allowing her daughter to marry someone she obviously does not love and even more so, why her daughter is marrying someone who thinks of his wife-to-be as a charity case and nothing more than property. Clearly, Luzhin is conceited and believes he is above them all. In regards to Russian marriages in 1850, these questions are not valid. In those days, marrying someone for their money was as normal as being in love is today. Husbands did not have to view their wives are equals and did not necessarily have to treat them as such. A more valid question would be: Why is she not marrying him for his wealth?
Nowadays, a person should question why Pulcheria is allowing her daughter to marry someone she obviously does not love and even more so, why her daughter is marrying someone who thinks of his wife-to-be as a charity case and nothing more than property. Clearly, Luzhin is conceited and believes he is above them all. In regards to Russian marriages in 1850, these questions are not valid. In those days, marrying someone for their money was as normal as being in love is today. Husbands did not have to view their wives are equals and did not necessarily have to treat them as such. A more valid question would be: Why is she not marrying him for his wealth?
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