Crime and Punishment Fyodor Dostoevsky

Stats Originally published in 1866 12 installments in The Russian Messenger Later published in a single volume Dostoevsky’s 2nd full length novel post-exile (“mature period”)

Is murder permissible in pursuit of a higher purpose? Novel focuses on guilt and moral ambiguity of the protagonist An ex-student kills a pawnbroker for her money to use money to help others to rid the world of a parasite on society His theory Some people are naturally equipped to fix society, and therefore have a right to do so

Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov Protagonist Third person omniscient Radical in its time Puts the reader close to Raskolnikov Raskol = schism or split “raskolnik” is “one who splits” or “dissenter” the verb “raskalyvat” means “to cleave”, “to chop”, “to crack”, “to split” or “to break” Also suggests “rascal”

Sofia Semyonovna Marmeladova AKA Sonia or Sonya and Sonechka Daughter of Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov, a drunk Prostitute (a “soiled dove” or “hooker with a heart of gold”) Moral foil for Raskolnikov Source of strength and rehabilitation for him

Porfiry Petrovich Detective in charge of Lizaveta and Alyona Ivanova’s murders Like Sonia, moves R. toward confession through psychological games Convinced of R.’s guilt, but has no concrete evidence Name suggests the Neo-Platonic philosopher Also means “purple”, or “purple cloak”

Dmitri Prokofich Razumikhin “Razum” = reason, rationalism, intelligence Raskolnikov’s best friend Represents conflict between faith and reason Interested in R.’s sister, Dunya

Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova R.’s sister, AKA Dounia, Dunya, or Dunechka Former nanny to Svidrigailov’s children; forced out by rumors Engaged to marry Luzhin R. does not approve of the marriage Stalked by Svidrigailov, who wants to blackmail her into marriage Interested in Razumikhin

Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin “luzha” means “puddle” Offers to marry Dunya Only interested because she is destitute and good looking Wants her to be utterly dependent upon him financially Attempts to frame Sonya Lebezyatnikov, his roommate, foils plan

Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov The Bad Guy (main antagonist) Pervert, murderer, petty criminal, blackmailer Mirror of Raskolikov Causes Raskolinikov family destitution Commits random acts of kindness Loves Dunya

The Victims Alyona Ivanovna: mean, old pawnbroker Hoards money Societal leech/ parasite Lizavetta Ivanovna: Alyona’s handicapped sister Innocent; not R.’s intended target

Other Victims (?) Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladova Nikolai Dementiev Marmeladov’s consumptive wife Mother to Polina/Polechka Stepmother to Sonia Nikolai Dementiev Demented painter who confesses to R.’s crime Pulkheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikova R.’s clueless mother, blinded to and by reality Praskovya Pavlovna Zarnitsyn and Nastasya Petrovna R.’s landlady and her servant

What’s in a Name? Raskolnikov Raskol Schism; dissenter Luzhin Luzha Russian Meaning Raskolnikov Raskol Schism; dissenter Luzhin Luzha Puddle Razumikhin Razhum Reason; mind Zamyotov Zametit To notice Lebezyatnikov Lebezit To fawn or to cringe Marmeladov Marmelad Marmelade or jelly Svidrigailov Svidrigailo 15th cent. Lithuanian Duke Porphiry Petrovich Porphyry Neo-platonist philosopher

Themes The freedoms offered by Rationalism and Utilitarianism are a perpetual revolt against God, society, and the self. Western ideas will lead to the decline of Russian civilization. In short, “Russian Nihilism” is bad.

Symbols to Talk About Dreams The Cross Saint Petersburg The horse dream The Cross A cross to bear Bearing the cross together Saint Petersburg City as symbol of R.’s moral decay

Structure and Symmetry Six parts and an epilogue Parts I-III deal with R.’s rationalist pride, IV-VI deal with his irrational humility Odd parts deal with R.’s relationship with family (mother, sister, mother-surrogate) while even parts deal with R.’s relationship with the state Crime and Punishment :: Greek tragedy and Christian redemption tale