Skip to main content

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 to Sonia from Lizaveta, one of the women Raskolnikov kills. Sonia reads Roskolnikov the story of Lazarus. After hearing the story of Lazarus, Raskolnikov now knows, and believes, like Marmaladov, that God will forgive him. The story of Lazarus gives Raskolnikov hope for a way to a new life. The story of Lazarus relates to him because he believes that if God can do that, then he can be forgiven. In the epilogue, Raskolnikov is once again said to be reading the Bible. This shows his wantoness for repentance, and fogiveness. 
Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov goes through a biblical transformation. He commits a sin, he admits to the sin, he asks forgiveness, and pays the price. At the end the book incinuates that Raskolnikov is now, upon his release from jail, will be reborn.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Post #9

Prompt: " The relationship between Raskolnikov and Sonia grows in Chapter 4. What do you learn of her responsibilities? Why does Raskolnikov prostrate himself before her and kiss her feet. Explain his lines following this action (about human suffering). From whom had Sonia received her Bible? What is the significance? How does Sonia convert Raskolnikov. What is the story she reads him, and how is it important? The lines  “ . . . the murderer and the harlot who had come together so strangely to read the eternal book” are appropriate and interesting. Note the references to children as the image of Christ. Examine the biblical passages involved and their appropriateness." Answer: Sonia feels she has gained responsibilities after the death of father. Sonia now needs to help care for her younger siblings, and for Katerina because Katerina is ill. Katerina Ivanovna did, and now especially will struggle to keep her children fed. Sonia now needs to help assure that they are fed. So...

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'...