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Post #5

Prompt: "Look back at the side story of Svidrigailov, and answer the following 
            a. What is the point of his character?
            b. Why is he so vile? (Defend him, if you don't believe that he is)
            c. Explain the significance of his dream on page 470."
Answer:
            a. Svidrigailov acts as contrast to Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov is less hateful, and self-centered than Svidrigailov. Svidrigailov's purpose is also to help with the themes of suffering and isolation. Svidrigailov is used to having whatever he wants so when Dounia is no longer something he can have, he is deeply upset. Svidrigailov realizes he is alone. This is too much suffering for Svidrigailov to bear, thus he kills himself.
            b. The reason why Svidrigailov is vile is quite self explanatory. For starters, Svidrigailov has committed sexual assault. If that isn't vile enough, Svidriagilov is also rumored to have killed his wife. Svidrigailov also tries to have a romantic relationship with Raskolnikov's sister Dounia, when Raskolnikov doesn't want him to. In today's world that wouldn't be so bad, but back in the time its set in, that was not an okay thing to do. This shows his lack of good character, and manors. Svidrigailov is also vile because he has a vile outlook on the world that taints his entire character.
            c. Svidrigailov's dreams or raising a 5 year old to be a prostitute are as vile as he is. This dream reminds him of all the women, and young girls he sexually harassed. This dream caused all the things keeping Svidrigailov sane. He realizes he cant have Dounia, and decides to end his own life. This dream was the final push on Svidrigailov.

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