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. Sonia is also responsible for keeping herself alive, and fed.
The Bible was given to Sonia from Lizaveta, one of the women Raskolnikov kills. Raskolnikov witnesses Sonia's suffering. This especially makes him upset because he has begun to catch feelings for Sonia. Raskolnikov falls to his knees and kisses her feet to try to bring, in a way, and apology, and a way of showing interest in her. When he bows he says "I did not bow down to you, I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity". Raskolnikov is bowing for all the suffering that Sonia and her family are going through, all the suffering he has caused and all the pain and poverty stricken people. He is also acknowledging Sonia's sacrifice to her family.
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.
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. Sonia is also responsible for keeping herself alive, and fed.
The Bible was given to Sonia from Lizaveta, one of the women Raskolnikov kills. Raskolnikov witnesses Sonia's suffering. This especially makes him upset because he has begun to catch feelings for Sonia. Raskolnikov falls to his knees and kisses her feet to try to bring, in a way, and apology, and a way of showing interest in her. When he bows he says "I did not bow down to you, I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity". Raskolnikov is bowing for all the suffering that Sonia and her family are going through, all the suffering he has caused and all the pain and poverty stricken people. He is also acknowledging Sonia's sacrifice to her family.
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.
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