Chapter 7 Reaction

This character is making it harder and harder for me to defend. It was one gruesome decision to kill a woman for money, but then to kill a witness is just despicable. The quick paced and constant rhythm of this chapter highlights Raskolnikov's thoughts in this messed up situation. Besides the doubts and maybe even regret that I assume most murder's feel in the moment, Raskolnikov's plan was well executed. I found his inner ramblings, while trying to clear the murder scene, were particularly eerie. But honestly, now knowing he's a cold blooded killer, all his inner thoughts seem disturbing.

      If part one has been dedicated to the back story and eventual life changing decision that this man has made, then I can assume that part 2 will show the repercussions of this act. And I also wonder whether this will be the only crime that Raskolnikov will commit. I feel that now he has unleashed a portion of his "id" that his most bestial impulses will lead him to either a) commit more crime or b)escape punishment at any means necessary.

Comment on Alex's reaction to Chapter 7

Alex,

I also began to grasp the meaning of the title "Crime and Punishment" upon reading this chapter. I also agree that part one introduces the crime while part two will present the punishment. In the anticipation and performance of this crime, Raskolnikov second guesses his actions but in spite of this, follows through with them. This shows that he acknowledges that the crime he is about to commit is an atrocity and that it should not happen. However, he does not listen to his conscience. This shows that people are given to showing the more savage side of themselves even if they question it at first. 

I also noticed that Dostoevsky made his intentions unclear when describing the operation. I believe that this was done to build suspense. I also believe that the fact that Raskolnikov begins to rationalize his actions is included for this same reason. He rationalizes his actions by telling himself that whatever happens is bound to happen. However, this rationale cannot be used in a situation like this one. The possibility of fate cannot be used to defend a crime. Fate is certainly not the cause of Lizaveta's murder. 

I am also eager to see what happens to Raskolnikov in part two of this novel. I believe that his guilt will build but that he will be punished soon enough. A murder does not go undetected for too long. Most times, the victim is found guilty and is punished immediately. I believe that you are hinting around the possibility of Raskolnikov's suicide in your last sentence and that this is not out of the question. We will see what occurs in the next part of the novel. 

Chapter 7 Reaction

In chapter seven of "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov is driven to a new low. He visits Aliona Ivanovna, the woman he normally pawns off of, and murders her. He does this so that he can steal the items in her apartment. Since he has committed an illegal act, he is meticulous with every move that he makes. The slightest noise freaks him out. Eventually, Lizaveta comes in and sees Aliona Ivanovna's dead body. She finds Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov kills her within seconds out of fear of being detected.

I believe that all of these ridiculous acts that Raskolnikov has portrayed to readers stem from his insecurities. He is antisocial to the extent that he is almost afraid of people. In my opinion, this has led to his distaste towards the possibility of a career. It seems that some people view careers as a place where one has to deal with others at all points of the day. This may turn off some. I feel that this is one of the reasons why Raskolnikov has not taken up a career. This lack of career leads him to steal money and various items. As mentioned before, once he enters Aliona Ivanovna's apartment, he murders two people. I believe that if he were to be more proficient and confident in the area of social interactions, steps could have been taken to prevent such atrocities. He would have the mental faculties to control himself. Overall, he would not end up in any of these predicaments if he did not have such a distaste for the people around him. 

Crime and Punishment Reaction Ch.7

     Throughout the reading of chapter 7, I am now able to begin to grasp the significance of the title: Crime and Punishment; part one depicts the “crime” and I believe part two will reveal the “punishment”. Raskolnikov’s initial hesitation in carrying out with the murder seems to disappear as he is able to brutally attack and kill Aliona and unhesitatingly commit an unplanned second murder thereafter. This sharp change in his attitude during this confrontation with death further emphasizes his determination in fulfilling whatever he feels the need to accomplish, which is still unclear. While trying to justify his actions, Raskolnikov seems to find excuses and to blame his environment and situation; doing whatever necessary to avoid taking responsibility for the crime. The sense of loss of control seems to possess him, but he is able to relax in convincing himself he is an instrument of fate. However, Lizaveta’s death was out of selfishness to avoid arrest. 

     I am eager to begin part two of the novel next week. I predict that Raskolnikov will not be punished in the literal sense (with arrest), but I feel that the guilt will eventually start to build. Feelings such as paranoia will eventually start to torture him and perhaps the remorse will be too much for Raskolnikov. 

Reaction to Chapter 7

This week’s reading was full of energy and suspense.  The detailed description of the murders of Aliona and Lizaveta made the sequence of events a quick and easy read unlike some earlier passages.  The last minutes of life for both sisters mirrored their personalities as explored in earlier chapters-Aliona, distrusting and seemingly bitter and Lizaveta, meek, weak and almost cowardly.  The plethora of emotions experienced by Raskolnikov during the commission of these murders confirmed his psychological complexity and disturbed state.  He experienced a gambit of sentiments starting with his initial feelings of weakness and fear when he approached the apartment to feelings of satisfaction, strength and superiority after he killed both women. When reading about the murders, I recognized that his actions, while in some ways robotic, were that of what I would expect from a stone cold killer and criminal- sadistic, brutal and disturbingly gratifying. It is interesting how his survival instincts quickly emerged and how he reacted to almost getting caught while at the apartment. Moreover, I was struck by the lack of remorse he had for his actions, particularly for his murder of Lizaveta, because he seemed to feel sorry for her brutal relationship with her sister. What happened to his conscience and sense of right and wrong?  While definitely a more interesting read, I remain troubled by the lack of morality and integrity of the fine folks in and around St. Petersberg.  So far the book seems to be an in depth study of the mind of a criminal-anyone agree with me?

Ryan Pearson

Reaction to Chapters 5 and 6

In Chapters 5 and 6 of "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov's mental state is unfurled. In previous chapters, readers were able to see how antisocial he is and were able to at least tell that he has some mental issues. Chapters 5 and 6 delve deeper into these issues. Raskolnikov is caught in a financial struggle and starts to have dreams in which he is witness to different murders but cannot stop them. I found these dreams to be extremely graphic and vile. The details used to describe the murder of the horse are sickening.
 Raskolnikov begins to contemplate what these dreams mean. He detects that he may have violent inclinations. He does not realize that he will commit a murder soon after. This situation exemplifies why I believe that Raskolnikov needs help coping with his mental state. A financial struggle should not lead someone to murder. This is an extreme. Raskolnikov needs to find a balance. Murder is a crime and can result in his arrest. However, if he would just either stay put or find a career, he could solve the problems he is having both mentally and financially. Murder does not solve anything. It only results in more trouble for him. 

These chapters portray the meaning of the title of this novel. With a crime comes punishment. This applies to anyone in any situation. Even if the punishment is not immediate, it will occur long term. I believe that Raskolnikov will pay for his extreme actions in the near future.

Ch. 5 & 6 Reaction

            Leaving the chapter on such a cliffhanger is an effective way to leave me, a mystery lover, yearning for more book. Raskolnikov's fragile mental set seems completely ready to murder this pawnbroker. But the the word seems is the decisive word. The dream with the beaten horse lends a interesting clue into this man's psych.  After Raskolnikov was so emotionally affected in his dream, I found it rather appalling that he would wake up and decide to kill the pawnbroker, with an axe no less. I've mentioned before how this character seems to have these violent impulses and then redeem them in some manner whether it be a good deed of lending money or a remorseful thought. This led me before to think he was a tortured and conflicted soul, but now I'm more concerned with the sadistic tendencies of this character. But this again raises the question; If he were so disgusted with the horse's pain, then why would he willingly inflict it upon others?

     Even the internal debate of whether he should kill this woman or not, is a vital sign that Raskolnikov is not a one sided character. But I personally think that he is not concerned with the fact that murder is wrong in general, but whether it is a reflection of his "moral values." That being said, I assume that he holds himself in high regard and only cares whether he is hurting his own agenda.

I am very interested to read the rest of this novel. It certainly picked up and I hope it continues on this rhythm, unlike the tedious chapters before.

Comment on Alex's reaction to chapters 5 and 6 of Crime and Punishment

Alex, 

I also noticed that there is a defined parallel between Raskolnikov's state of mind and his future plans. Raskolnikov is in a very fickle state of mind. It is definitely not healthy. Therefore, he has these recurring dreams portraying him as a murderer. He starts to realize that these dreams could come to fruition both in terms of mental state and action. Little does he know that this could mean that he has always wanted to be a murderer in some way. 

I also have the same question that you mentioned in the first paragraph. I do not understand murder as a solution to a financial issue. However, we have already established that he is in an unhealthy state of mind. This means that he is prone to act in ways that others may not understand. When it comes to financial situations, many people are willing to do anything to put themselves in a better place. I would recommend getting a job before killing someone. Then again, I do not have ground to stand on since I am not in his state of mind. I am not experiencing the feelings of desperation that he is. However, I still agree that there are many other and more healthy ways to cope with financial struggles. 

Overall, I believe that your reaction is very insightful and shows readers some aspects of Raskolnikov's personality that they may not have thought about while reading. The points you bring up are valid. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. 

Crime and Punishment Reaction Ch.5&6

     In these chapters, Dostoevsky draws parallels between Raskolnikov’s current state and his future plans. The build-up of description in chapter 5 towards Raskolnikov’s plans for a mysterious act serves as suspense for what appears to be a murder, which he reveals in chapter 6. His motives for the murder are unclear, but he seems to be focused on pulling himself out of his current financial state; so the issue lies in obtaining money (not earning it). However, why murder? There are other alternatives.

     I believe that the dream in chapter 5 was included to reveal certain aspects of Raskolnikov’s personality. He seems to have a natural instinct to kill, which stems from feelings developed during his youth; since he appears in his dream to be a child. I particularly like Dosteovsky’s psychological standpoint, honing in on the mentality of a killer who genuinely believes he has the power to decide who deserves to die/live. 

     Raskolnikov appears to be battling conflicting ideas about the murder. He seems to have a split personality; one part of him is repulsed by the idea of murder, the other rationalizes and makes him believe he has every right to do it. The compassion Raskolnikov shows for the horse in his dream, vanishes completely along with his innocence when he wakes up. It seems as though his emotional resources are drained as he grew older. 

Reaction to Chapters 5 and 6

I have three words to describe chapters five and six- sick, horrific, and suspenseful. While I admit that the graphic description of the dream Raskolnikov had about an incident that he witnessed with his father when he was a child- the barbaric killing of a horse-drew me in to this part of the novel, I found the dream and the detailed description of the murder deeply disturbing. Although initially I was unsure of the symbolism, I recognize that in some ways it parallels the conduct that Raskolnikov is contemplating and sets the stage for his plan to murder the Lizaveta the pawnbroker. Interestingly, no real motive for the murder is explained but I surmise it is for money, which is similar in a depraved way to the killing of the horse.  Further, it seems Raskolnikov has justified to himself that Lizaveta is a bad person not worthy of living. I find it interesting how the information is revealed to Raskolnikov. For example, Raskolnikov overhears a conversation in a tavern where her murder is contemplated, not only by him but also by the pair talking about Lizaveta. Similarly, he walks through the Haymarket and overhears that she will be alone the following night, a scenario that never happens. Clearly the dream, the conversations in the tavern and Haymarket, and the ease of the plan coming together are used by the writer to lay the foundation for the contemplated murder.

I am haunted by images of the horse being beaten and the crowd mentality of encouraging the horse’s owner to kill her for sport. It reminds me of a gang rape situation where a group incites each member to violate the victim. The horse, like I envision a gang rape victim would, tries unsuccessfully to fight back, but succumbs to the savage and sadistic behavior of the group. While I am unclear whether the anticipated murder of Lizaveta will be as brutal as that in the dream, I do think that the dream serves as justification for his upcoming actions. As a final note, I continue to observe that the writer introduces alcohol into every setting and this dream is no exception.  In fact, alcohol and poverty permeate through most of the characters and settings of events that have been explained so far.  Is anyone else troubled by the sadistic dream or wonder why every character seems to be a drunk?

Ryan Pearson

Comment on Alex's reaction to chapters 3 and 4

Alex, 

I agree with all of the points you have described. I definitely agree that Raskolnikov suffers from delusions of grandeur. He thinks he has a superior quality about him that allows him to be in a position to make decisions for other people. A prime example lies in the fact that he thinks he can persuade Dunechka into marrying another guy who he will be more likely to approve of. He clearly does not have the power or influence to tell his sister who she can marry. 

I think the point you bring up about his way of living in his house being similar to his attitude towards society is very interesting.  He lives in almost horrible conditions. He does not care about what others will think upon entering his home. In this same way, he does not care what others think about the way he interacts with them. He does not care about what others think when they see him walking the streets in rags. He has such a high distaste for all people that he could not care less. This refers back to your point that he has symptoms of delusions of grandeur. In this lack of concern for what others think, he essentially is putting himself on a pedestal. He believes that his ideals and musings are superior to that of others. He has a false sense of superiority. His abode and his general interactions in life reflect this. Overall, I think this reaction is very thorough and that it delves into some very interesting points. 

Ch. 3 & 4 Crime and Punishment

These 2 chapters illustrate a further look into Raskolnikov's deplorable life. His troubles increase when he receives a letter from his mother commenting on the impending engagement of his sister.It is hard not to compare Atlas Shurgged and Crime and Punishment . Since I am reading the books simultaneously, I now find it easy to criticize a complicated read in Crime and Punishment as opposed to a more straightforward one in Atlas Shrugged. I actually find myself missing characters such as Dagny and Francisco. I found the letter very dull, and frankly a little confusing. Why devote such a large portion of a chapter to a verbatim letter? I think this part could have been paraphrased much more effectively.
I find it difficult to understand this character. I'm not sure if it is the intention of the author to show a multi faceted personality or if I am simply reading too much into his actions. His thoughts of killing his sisters fiancee simply on a whim contradicts his sympathetic thoughts toward what seemed to be a drunk young girl that has been taking advantage of. I found myself liking him for caring about a stranger but then I remembered how he wanted to murder the fiance; another stranger! Perhaps his fierce protectiveness towards his family is what causes these violent thoughts to take place? Since his first instinct is to cause harm to another, I am assuming that a murder is the "punishment" he will commit.

Crime and Punishment Reaction Ch.3&4

Throughout chapters 3 and 4 of Crime and Punishment the reader gains an insight on Raskolnikov’s sordid condition. His shabby room serves as a metaphor for his feelings of low self worth; in other words, the roof is pressing down on him in the same way life seems to be pressing down on him. Raskolnikov seems to live in a delusion in which he genuinely believes he is employed as a “thinker”; he thinks he is more capable than he really is. He suffers from delusions of grandeur. This notion juxtaposes his feelings of lacking dignity from not being able to afford the proper attire for a real job. 

Events that he seems to have no control over in his life, such as his sister’s marriage he copes with by displacing it onto strangers. The feelings of frustration which Raskolnikov expresses towards the fiance go too far when he wishes him dead. Perhaps these feelings are emphasized to foreshadow or reveal the mysterious terrible act that he has been thinking of doing for the past month. It seems to me that the possessiveness he has towards his sister is almost inappropriate. 

I am curious to find out why Raskolnikov left his home in the first place and why he has been gone for so long. 

Crime and Punishment Chapters 3 and 4

As I continue to read Crime and Punishment I am struggling a bit to follow the characters.  I followed fairly clearly the long letter written to Raskolinikov by his Mother Pulceria (What does this name mean?  The name sounds vile to me). While the purpose of the letter seemed to be the announcement of his sister’s decision to marry Luchin and their upcoming visit to St. Petersberg, the letter was filled with details about why Dunia decided to marry Luchin and how his mother and Dunia hoped it would benefit him!  The letter indicates that Dunia is not marrying for love but rather for a better financial world and stability and in a warped way to help Raskolnikov. The letter explains that this is not the first time that Dunia has done something for Raskolnikov to help him financially. She worked as a governess and sent the majority of her salary to him (another situation that sounds terrible). I find it depressing that his Mother seems excited about the union and approves of the rationale behind it.  Her words suggest to me that she worships her son even at her daughter’s expense and happiness. The description of Petrovich portrays him as obnoxious and selfish, and desirous of marrying a woman indebted to him but not for love and I found myself reading in disbelief at the mothers thought process.  Perhaps Dunia was trying to marry Petrovich for her own financial security as well?    

Chapter IV was problematic to decipher.  Of course, the theme was easy to extract- Raskolnikov does not approve of the engagement of his sister and “will not have it.” But I did not follow the introduction of the young girl wandering the streets apparently drunk and without direction (Is this Marmeladov’s daughter Sonia?).  Nor did I follow why Raskolnikov gave money to a police officer to put her in a cab and protect her from a random man following her around and suddenly change his opinion instantly-“(l)et him amuse himself….What do you care?” While a few weeks ago I was intrigued by the beginning chapters, I am presently finding the book tedious and the cast of characters difficult to follow.

Ryan Pearson

Reaction to chapters 3 and 4

In chapters three and four of "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov shows just how much he distrusts human kind. In the first two chapters, he mentions that he has a distaste for people in society. We do not see that actually come into play until now. Once Raskolnikov reads the letter he receives from his mother concerning his sister Dunechka's wedding plans with an unknown business man, Raskolnikov immediately gets a bad taste in his mouth. It is unbelievable how quickly Raskolnikov dislikes this guy just upon reading that letter. He concludes that his sister deserves better than to just marry a guy who she barely knows. 

I believe that it is not healthy to live like this. Even though I would advise that it is also not great to trust people too much, one still needs to trust others. In life, all people need to know is that there will be people there to catch them when they fall. If one does not trust to that extent, snap judgments of others should definitely not be made. I think that it is advisable to get to know someone before this type of judgment is made. Therefore, I believe that Raskolnikov needs to get to know the guy that his sister is planning on marrying before he decides that he dislikes him and his endeavors. That way, his family can proceed in peace without the threat of disapproval. If some family members do not approve of this marriage, it will not result in a positive future for Dunechka's relationship.