...Crime and punishment considered by many as the magnum opus of Dostoevsky, graphically essays the tragic tale of murder, guilt, suffering and redemption, unfolding in an utmost dismal setting of St. Petersburg of the mid-19th century. The central character of the story is Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikoff , a man with little means oftener found lost in reverie gets possessed with an idea, a theory of his own about ‘ extraordinary men being above the law’, and in order to bring ‘’ new thoughts ‘’ into the society they have a moral license or authority to even deprive a man from his basic right to live . He then sets out to put his theory into practice and as a consequence murders an old woman. The story gyrates around this murder. Through raskolnikoff Dostoevsky provides an in-depth exploration of the psychology of a criminal. The inner world of Raskolnikoff, with all of its doubts, deleria, second-guessing, fear, and despair, is the heart of the story. Dostoevsky does not lay emphasis on the actual repercussions of the murder but the way the murder forces Raskolnikoff to deal with tormenting guilt. Indeed, by focusing so little on Raskolnikoff’s imprisonment, he seems to suggest that the actual punishment by law is much less terrible than the stress and anxiety of trying to avoid this punishment. Further through the portrayal of extreme guilt, suffering accompanied with love Dostoevsky paves the way for raskolnikoff’s redemption from the crime committed Not only raskolnikoff...
Words: 288 - Pages: 2
...ethan miles 6/04/14 The Triumphant Farwell The English Dictionary defines an epilogue as a “concluding section of a speech or literary work”. Though usually short, an epilogue may be as long as an entire chapter in a book. Readers are often curious about what happens to the characters after the narrative ends. An epilogue satisfies this curiosity, leaving the reader informed and fulfilled. In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Epilogue in Crime and Punishment, there have been speculations in regards to if the epilogue had any sort of significance. This argument sways both ways, but in the case of Crime and Punishment the books identity would be altered if the epilogue were to be absent. Ultimately, the role of the epilogue plays a vital role and is indeed necessary in the establishment of this novel. The epilogue gives the audience a accurate view on the character of Raskolnikov, allows them to see through his imperfections. It ties up any loose ends that the readers may have and most importantly displays the strong affection Raskolnikov and Sonia possess. Crime and Punishment’s epilogue truly uncovers Raskolnikov’s class as a human being. The audience can appreciate that fact that Raskolnikov is not a complete selfish human being, that he is capable of portraying acts of selflessness. Throughout most of the novel, Raskolnikov is characterized as a man who only thinks about himself. He in visions himself as a human of elite status, and the consequences of the average human do not apply...
Words: 1176 - Pages: 5
...Jada Williams-Davis Per.2nd 3/28/2013 CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Prompt: 2004, Form B In Dostoevsky’s novel “Crime and Punishment”, Raskolnikov is the main character as the story is told almost exclusively through his point of view. Raskolnikov decides to plan his idea of the perfect crime, the murder of an old woman who is a pawnbroker, but when he actually commits the crime he embraces both a mental and physical devastation throughout the rest of the novel. The psychological journey the reader takes as they read the novel arises from this particular crime. Dostoevsky depicts the twisted mind of Raskonikov before and after his murder, making it evident what drives him to commit the crime and why. The story begins with Raskolnikov, a former student, who appears to be completely alienated from the world around him. He seems to have this resentment toward humanity leaving him to always remain alone. He already had an idea regarding the crime and had planned this out thoroughly but yet, he still could not bring himself to it. He is unsure and it is apparent in the context that he was dealing with an affective internal conflict. The reader sees how he struggles with his uncertainty “If I am so scared now, what would it be if it somehow came to pass that I were really going to do it?” He thought just before he visited the old woman. The reader can apprehend how he is reluctant to the idea of literally murdering her but he also still has the desire to do it. This idea contributes...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...In the novel, "Crime and Punishment", the protagonist, Raskolnikov, has published a collection of his thoughts on crime and punishment via an article entitled "On Crime." Porfiry, who has a discussion of the relationship of crime to one's environment with Raskolnikov, has uncovered this article. He asks Raskolnikov about his ideas and view of crime. This reminds Raskolnikov and says, “I certainly did write an article upon a book six months ago when I left the university”(Chapter 5). It shows that Raskolnikov's essay, "On Crime" was written six months before he left the university. In Raskolnikov's essay, "On Crime," he believes that by a law of nature men are divided into two groups, "ordinary" and "extraordinary." He discusses the duties and obligations of these two groups of people to present his views about crime....
Words: 441 - Pages: 2
...The City of St. Petersburg as a Symbol in Crime and Punishment Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky takes place almost entirely in the city of St. Petersburg. The city is portrayed as dirty, crowded, and chaotic in the novel. This setting of a disorderly city is used as a twofold symbol. It represents the unhealthy state of society as well as the unhealthy state of Raskolnikov’s delirious mind. In the area of St. Petersburg that Raskolnikov lives in it is “terribly hot out, and moreover it was close, crowded; lime, scaffolding, bricks, dust everywhere, and [the city] had that special summer stench known so well to every Petersburger who cannot afford to rent a summer house” (Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment, Vintage Books, p.4)....
Words: 1756 - Pages: 8
...imagination at work. Such ideas can be used to explain the dreams of Raskolnikov in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel, Crime and Punishment. Dostoyevsky’s use of imagery, symbolism and foreshadowing, in each Aspect of the dream reflect facets of Raskolnikov's complex personality and his attitude toward the crime he intends to commit. In his dream, Raskolnikov imagines himself as a young boy with his father. As they were walking, they noticed a drunken man, Mikolka, and a group of his drunk friends beating his horse to death for failing to walk while pulling an overloaded cart. Many aspects of the dream served as a symbol. The beaten horse in the dream, symbolizes Alyona, who Raskolnikov had planned to murder, while the young boy, Raskolnikov, and Mikolka together symbolize both sides of Raskolnikov’s conflicting conscience. While the young raskolnikov was pained by the brutal treatment shown to the horse, Mikolka felt as if the horse was useless to him and that she wasn’t doing any good for society and the people around her, and therefore deserved to die. The young boy represents the soft side of Raskolnikov that knows the crime he plans to commit is wrong. On the other hand Mikolka represented the side of Raskolnikov that believed that Alyona’s death would be a benefit to society. This showed that Raskolnikov wasn’t sure of himself, and that although he felt his crime would be justified, part of him knew it was morally wrong....
Words: 498 - Pages: 2
...In Fyoda Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, The main character, Raskolinkov, undergoes "spiritual reassessment" and "moral reconciliation while in Siberia. Raskolinkov sees himself as a "extraordinary" person who is above the moral orders that preside over the rest of humanity. His moral and spiritual reconciliation in Siberia help withdraw his feeling of isolation from society, bring himself together with Sonia and renew his morals in order to function properly in society. After Raskolinkov murders the pawnbroker and her sister, he isolates himself from society. Torn between hiding and confession, Raskolinkov falls into a state or mental illness and constantly reminds himself of the murder. He explains, "What is it? Am I still delirious or is it all real? I think it's real?... oh I remember now I must run." (146) Raskolinkov's state of delirium is not resolved until he finally realizes that he is not the "extraordinary" man he believed he was. He is unable to balance his guilt caused by his conscience and this becomes his main reason for confession. Raskolinkov's contact with society is soon...
Words: 448 - Pages: 2
...Crime and Punishment: A Dissection of its Various Elements. “The true measure of crimes is the harm done to society” – Cesare Beccaria. Crime as a concept and its origin There is no easy definition for what denotes a crime. Any theory on criminal law has to answer two questions – ‘What acts should be punished?’ and ‘To what extent can it be punished?’ Glanville Williams, admitting the impossibility of a workable content based definition of a crime, points out that the definition of crime is one of the thorny intellectual problems of law. Russell also admitted that ‘to define crime is a task which so far has not been satisfactorily accomplished by any writer’ Personal safety, particularly security of life, liberty and property, is of utmost importance to any individual. Man realized this when he started living in a community. He realized that he had certain rights. Rights are essentially conditions for self-development. At the same time he understood that he was also obligated to behave in the same manner in which he expected his neighbour to behave. This was the crux of the social contract which man entered into with his fellow beings. The social contract allowed men to live together in a community and leave behind the “nasty, short and brutish” life he led hitherto. The social contract paved way for the State to come into force and start making laws for everyone. Naturally, the rational and selfish nature of man would make him look out for his best interests and...
Words: 3376 - Pages: 14
...Crime and Punishment Jessica Maxa 08-06-2012 Colorado Technical University Ms. Lisa The 5th amendment of the United States Constitution says introduces us to the double jeopardy clause. It is stated that no defendant shall stand trial more than once for the same charge brought against them. A defendant is put in jeopardy as soon as the jury is sworn in. If the case is dismissed then a new trial may be deemed necessary. Double jeopardy protects defendants only for retrials brought within the first jurisdiction; this meaning a defendant can be tried in federal court after being tried in state court. The double jeopardy clause will give the defendant a guarantee that they will not receive more than one punishment per offense (Legal Information Institute, 2010). In the United States a defendant has the right not be testify in his or her jury trial; this is a privilege made to us as citizens by the 5th amendment. The client with the help legal advice from an attorney should weigh this option heavily before making this decision. There are a few reasons that the defendant should not take the witness stand they are things such as If the defendant has previously been convicted of a crime, the prosecutor may be able to bring this fact to light which will lead to discrediting the character and reputation of the witness. Some defendants have a fear of speaking in public which could impair the ability to get out what they are trying. A jury may not believe a defendant, who, though...
Words: 915 - Pages: 4
...Society’s response to crime has impacted public policy differently over the years. The way crime and punishment has evolved over the years has been tremendous, but still has the same goal, punishment for a crime committed. The need for crime and punishment has and probably always will be a debate, but in the end what matters most is rehabilitating the criminal to reduce recidivism rates. Society’s views on crime and punishment have always had the same result in mind. Society wants an offender of a crime to be punished and pay for what they have done. The first formal legal code was created in 1780 BCE. The king of Babylonia created the Code of Hammurabi. These laws set out specific crimes and punishments, and had the principle of “an eye for an eye”. (Siegal, 2014). During this time, criminals were punished in proportion to their crime; a thief that was caught had his hand cut off. During the middle ages, the first correctional institutions were developed. These institutions were generally not used as a means of correction, only as a detention until the criminal could be punished by execution, corporal punishment, or exile. (Siegal, 2014). Today, the use of cruel and public punishment are no longer used; hanging, decapitations, torturing, etc. However, incarceration for life and execution are still used for most serious crimes. (Siegal, 2014) The need for punishments for crimes is still in debates. Dr. Karl Menninger argues that most criminals are sick and “why...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...Crime and punishment The crimes previous to the Industrial Revolution were largely the same, excluding the introduction of crimes enabled by new technology i.e. going over the legal speed limit when driving a car. Examples of said crimes - assault, breaking the Peace, murder, petty treason, seditious words, coining. The crimes previous to the Industrial Revolution were largely the same, excluding the introduction of crimes enabled by new technology i.e. going over the legal speed limit when driving a car. Examples of said crimes - assault, breaking the Peace, murder, petty treason, seditious words, coining. Crimes before the Industrial Revolution Crime Technology – many new inventions in the early 20th century had an effect on crime, but the greatest of these by far was the motor car. Aeroplanes also made international transport and smuggling easier. Beliefs – religious beliefs were declining and attitudes were shaped more by the media rather than the churches. This meant that people were less likely to see some crimes as bad as they would have done when society was shaped by religion. Government – the welfare state that was begun by the Liberals in 1906 gave greater security to all citizens. Although this meant that there was less chances of people living in poor conditions and in poverty, it also meant that there were more laws surrounding the welfare state that could be broken. Car crime The first car appeared on the road in Britain in 1894, by 1930 there...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...Crime and Punishment Outline I. Introduction A. “What if man is not really a scoundrel, man in general, I mean, the whole race of mankind -- then all the rest is prejudice, simply artificial terrors and there are no barriers and it's all as it should be." Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment. B. In the short stories, The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell and The Destructors by Graham Greene, we will look at the similarities and differences in the characterization element of fiction as they relate to the crimes committed in the stories. II. Body A. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell 1. Characters 2. Qualities and Motivations B. The Destructors by Graham Greene 1. Characters 2. Qualities and Motivations C. Comparisons of the Short Stories 1. The Most Dangerous Game crime 2. The Destructors crime III. Conclusion A. In the end of these two stories, “justice” was served. B. As the protagonists of the short stories, Rainsford and Trevor succeeded in “punishing” General Zaroff and Mr. Thomas for the crimes they committed while they in turn committed crimes themselves. Crime and Punishment “What if man is not really a scoundrel, man in general, I mean, the whole race of mankind-then all the rest is prejudice, simply artificial terrors and there are no barriers and it's all as it should be." Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment. When a crime is committed usually punishment...
Words: 1099 - Pages: 5
...How St. Petersburg represents Raskolinkov’s State of Mind Devvyn E. Rhodes I.B. English, P.2 Woodrow Wilson High School Woodrow Wilson High School Abstract In the book Crime and Punishment the author, Feodor Dostoevsky tells a story about a man named Raskolinkov that struggles with an internal and external decision making that leads him to committing a murder. Changing his state of mind as he dwells in the city of St. Petersburg, the author provides the reader with a suggestion of representation between the main character, Raskolinkov and the city of St. Petersburg. The representation of the city being a ruin, and as well Raskolinkovs mind. I found how his mind struggles, as well the city of St. Petersburg struggles on a loose foundation of poverty, moral decay, and chaos. How St. Petersburg represents Raskolinkov’s State of Mind In the first page Feodore Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”, the city of St. Petersburg is resembled as a low down, dirty, and stifling place to be where men squander around bars blatantly drunk, where women sell themselves on corners for a cheap price; where children have looks of despair written across their faces, as they beg on the streets, digging through the trash cans for a chance of finding some food to stay alive (1). This is an example of a city that is falling to its ruins. Ruins are the leftovers of what there once was, and signifies as the situation that had once occurred...
Words: 1372 - Pages: 6
...Crime and Punishment Currently punishment for crimes committed is different for a juvenile than it is for an adult. Why would it be a different punishment for the same crime between juveniles and adults? Can juveniles really learn from their crime? What if the juveniles make the court believe that they learned from their mistake and they got out of jail and commit the same crime but worse. Is it really cruel and unusual to sentence life without parole to juveniles? Juveniles that commit extremely bad crimes should not be punished; who in their right mind thinks they should not be punished? Is life in prison with or without parole a better option for juveniles? It all comes down to what the juvenile did, and if the juvenile and the adult made the same mistake, they should get the same punishment. It should always be fair between adults and juveniles; there is no difference because they made the same mistake, a crime is a crime. To begin with, can juveniles really learn from their mistakes? Some juveniles can and others can't. Well how will the court make the right decision? For example a juvenile gains trust from the court and gets out of jail early but when they exactly get out of jail they go to a party and kill someone. It is the juveniles responsibility to not get in trouble because they have to be role models for the next generation of juveniles and be the adults. Juveniles can learn from their mistakes but there are always the juveniles that lose the opportunity...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...The use of allusions in a literary text enables an intricate web of concepts or ideas that unravel throughout the story to provide a deeper understanding of an idea the author is trying to impose on the reader. The emergence of philosophies in every literary sexy whether predominantly or as an allusion. The path in which philosophies take in becoming an allusion in a literary text is through the characters that the author chooses to have represent the concepts in the book. Fyodor Dostoevsky uses the allusion to human philosophies by having them unfold throughout the lives of his characters in the choices they make in his book Crime and Punishment. Svidrigailov represents the allusion to the human philosophy, nihilism and irrational egoism,...
Words: 1236 - Pages: 5
