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Post #2

Prompt: "List and explain as many moments in the novel wherein Existentialist philosophy is expounded as you can find. (Here's one for you - check out page 300. Also, consider Katerina Ivanovna...)"
Answer: Raskolnikov has an existential mindset throughout the novel. He attempts to justify the murder he committed by saying: "I’ve only killed a louse, Sonia, a useless, loathsome, harmful creature". He assures Sonia that his murder is no big deal because the pawnbroker's life didn't matter she was a merely a louse. Raskolnikov also shows an existential mindset when he says: "To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s. In the first case you are a man, in the second you’re no better than a bird. Truth won’t escape you, but life can be cramped." Raskolnikov is saying that every man should follow his own path in reality, no matter the cost of others. Existentialism is also shown in Katerina Ivanovna. Before the death of Marmeladov, she knew who she was. She was a wife, and mother to her children. After the death or Marmeladov, She didn't know who she now was.


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Post #1

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Post #10

Prompt: " What attitude does Dostoevsky create about Lebezyatnikov’s advanced social view? What is the tone? Contrast the tone with that afforded Luzhin. Why the difference? Although the novel is largely about great questions—sin, redemption, crime, punishment, and murder—much political and economic theory exists as well. What can you find in the text to constitute Dostoevsky’s attitudes towards capitalism and socialism? What is his preferred method?" Answer: Luzhin  is quite narrow-minded, and thinks less of women than other characters. He really wants to marry a poor woman so that she can't escape. This is why she chose Dounia.  In contrast, Lebezyatnikov believes in the modern philosophies. Lebezyatnikov is also less self-centered, and wouldn't treat women the way old-styled Luzhin would. I believe Dostoevsky believes in capitalism. One quote I found from Razumihin in part 3 chapter 5 saya: "Human nature is not taken into account, it is excluded, it'...
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Post #7

Prompt: " Discuss the presentation of God and religion throughout the novel, and explain how the Epilogue contributes to this presentation. ALSO, explain how the Biblical story of Lazarus relates to Raskolnikov." Answer: In the novel, one of the major themes is suffering. Almost all, if not all, characters suffer in som way. Some do it to themselves. For Example,  Marmeladovmakes himself suffer with alcohol. He belives that he will be forgiven by God in the afterlife. In the novel sometimes people would suffer for religious reasons. For example, the painter turned himself in from committing the murder (even though he didn't do it) so that the suffering he would endure for turning himself in, would pay for other, lesser sins. Sonia aids Raskolnikov and is a crucial part of his redemption process. He redeems himself in the classic Christain way of admitting your sins, and asking forgiveness. Roskolnikov asked Sonia to read to him from The Bible that was given t...
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