Raskolnikov's definition of crime was
evil will
in action. Raskolnikov knows that he possesses no evil will, and so he does not consider himself a criminal. He is capable of justifying his crime. He murdered a pawnbroker that was of no use to society and wanted to use her money to improve his life and career.
Is Raskolnikov a psychopath?
It's easy to dismiss Raskolnikov
as a psychopath
, but this is not an insight: it is an admission of failure to understand his psychology. Beneath the silence, the battle within Raskolnikov's mind rages on, though his dejection and his nearness to confession mark its final stages.
What is wrong with Raskolnikov?
In part I of the novel, Dostoevsky describes Raskolnikov as “
having been in an overstrained irritable condition, verging on hypochondria
” for some time past (1). When out in public, he is almost always preoccupied with his own agitated thoughts or muttering to himself in a state of feverish confusion.
Is Raskolnikov a protagonist or antagonist?
Raskolnikov is
the protagonist of the novel
, and the story is told almost exclusively from his point of view. His name derives from the Russian word raskolnik, meaning “schismatic” or “divided,” which is appropriate since his most fundamental character trait is his alienation from human society.
Is Raskolnikov a villain?
Raskolnikov antagonizes Svidrigaïlov and Luzhin. He certainly acts as
an antagonist
toward Alyona the pawnbroker and Lizaveta—though, in the case of Lizaveta, he wants to help her but ends up hurting her. He's mean and scary, but he's not a character that inspires hatred in us.
What is Raskolnikov's full name?
Rodion Raskolnikov, fictional character who is the protagonist of the novel Crime and Punishment (1866) by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. An impoverished student who murders a pawnbroker and her stepsister, Raskolnikov embodies the author's belief that salvation is possible only through atonement.
Why Raskolnikov is a good person?
Raskolnikov's true self struggles against the immorality of being ‘extraordinary'. He is
a loving son and good friend
. From this comes his acts of kindness and great love for others. Twice, he helps out the family of Semyon Marmeladov.
Is Raskolnikov a schizophrenic?
Raskolnikov is
suffering from schizophrenia
and plagued by dementia.
How does Raskolnikov justify his crime?
Raskolnikov's deeper motivations for the murder are abstract, intellectual, and oddly rational. … Raskolnikov's poverty becomes part of his motivation for
killing the pawnbroker
, since he perceives of her death as a chance to get enough money to resume his education and make progress toward a better life.
What is the main theme of Crime and Punishment?
Alienation from Society
Alienation
is the primary theme of Crime and Punishment. At first, Raskolnikov's pride separates him from society. He sees himself as superior to all other people and so cannot relate to anyone. Within his personal philosophy, he sees other people as tools and uses them for his own ends.
Is Raskolnikov intelligent?
I think the most fascinating trait of Raskolnikov is the combination of his good looks, self-confidence and
his intelligence
. Remember that the book begins with him being described as a rough good looking man. … Second to his good looks is his self-confidence.
Why does Raskolnikov confess Sonia?
Raskolnikov confesses to Sonya
because he feels that she is “his only hope, his only way out”
; but when she tells him that he must accept his suffering and go to prison, he begins to feel that he has mis- judged himself and that he can “still put up a fight” for his grandiose conception of himself (V, iv).
What happens to Raskolnikov in the end?
Raskolnikov is
in prison in Siberia
. He has been there for nine months, and a year and a half has passed since the murders. … He received a relatively light punishment, largely because Porfiry Petrovich kept silent about his knowledge of Raskolnikov's guilt, which enabled Raskolnikov to confess without being forced.
What is the most striking thing about Raskolnikov?
Perhaps the most striking feature of Raskolnikov, however, is
his dual personality
. On the one hand, he is cold, apathetic, and antisocial; on the other, he can be surprisingly warm and compassionate. He commits murder as well as acts of impulsive charity.
Why does Dunya marry Luzhin?
Dunya has apparently decided to sacrifice her own happiness by marrying Luzhin for his money, so that her brother can continue his university studies. Luzhin has offered to marry her, because Luzhin wants
a wife who has suffered poverty
, and who has no dowry, so that he will not be under any obligation to her.
Who is Raskolnikov's sister?
Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov
(“Dunya,” “Dunechka”)
Raskolnikov's sister. Dunya is as intelligent, proud, and good-looking as her brother, but she is also moral and compassionate. She is decisive and brave, ending her engagement with Luzhin when he insults her family and fending off Svidrigailov with gunfire.
