Isa's Extensive Outline

Thesis: Rakolnikov's pride is his ultimate downfall, and prevents him from any emotional growth.

I. What is Pride and how does Raskolnikov first exhibit it?
    A. Pride is a feeling of deep satisfaction derived from one's own achievements.
         1. Pride can be both a negative or positive quality.
         2. Pride can be postiive if it is a healthy degree of self-confidence. Pride as a downfall is seen countless times in literature (hubris); Oedipus, Macbeth etc.
     B. Raskolnikov's motive for murder is not explicit; he murders neither for gain, boredom, insanity etc.  Boredom seems to be the prime motivation.
       1. Raskolnikov believes that as a superior man, his rank is reason enough to murder.
       2. The laws of society do not apply to him as he is better than them and he must prove his rank by killing a woman beneath him.

II. Where does Raskolnikov's pride stem from?
     A. Raskolnikov self-loathing is at point where he must be "strong" to overcome his hate for himself.
         1. He dreams of the horse dying, and feels disgusted at pain.
         2. Recognizes this as a weakness and proceeds to kill the woman.
     B. The "superior man" shouldn't feel guilt for killing those meeker.
         1. Raskolnikov's own delusions cause his pride and self-importance to grow.
         2. The regulations he has set for himself enable him to disassociate with the brutality of his actions.

III. Why is pride Raskolnikov's downfall?
     A. Raskolnikov's pride prevents him from any human connection.
         1. He disdains family affection, and cannot seem to appreciate Razumihn's devotion.
         2. This lack of love in his life is due to a latent belief that he does not need help, preventing him from any emotional stability.
     B. He now believes he can escape the law.
         1. Neglects every opportunity for confession and becomes increasingly arrogant.
         2. Confessing symbolizes the "weaker" option in his eyes.

IV. Indication
      A. Though Raskolinkov tries to seem stronger, his isolation, as a result of pride, begins to eat away at him.
        1. He lives in fear of capture.
       B. Raskolnikov's dream of the plague is a strong indication of his minds set.
       1. Those select few that arent infected represent him and the superior man.
       2. Those that perish represent the guilt Raskolnikov feels for infecting society.

V. Change?
    A. Though in love, Raskolnikov has not changed by the epilogue.
         1. Still fixated on the superiority of man.
         2. Unable to understand why the law applies to a man like him.
    B. Has he achieved emotional growth?
        1. He has allowed a woman to love him yet he still cannot love himself enough to accept his flaws.
        2. He will never allow himself to be weak in his eyes and that will ultimately follow him forever.
     

Alex's more extensive outline

Theme Chosen: Human Psyche 

Thesis Statement: Dostoyevsky proves in the novel Crime and Punishment that mental stability rests on internal and external forces being in harmony with each other and cannot exist either in rejection or isolation. 

I. What is mental stability and what does it depend on? 

     A. Mental Stability, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the quality or state of someone who is emotionally or mentally healthy”

     B. Drawing upon contemporary psychological definitions and instances from the novel, I will           argue that it rests on both external and internal forces being in harmony. 

          1. Internal forces: conscience, self-judgement, paranoia, over-thinking, rejection and rebellion  

          2. External forces: social, judicial, moral and cultural influences 

          3. This huge conflict is what destabilizes and ultimately destroys Raskolnikov’s mental and           emotional well-being. 

II. Raskolnikov’s external need to escape the guilt-ridden memory of his crime proves impossible even in his self-imposed isolation. 

     A. The definition of guilt, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is the “responsibility for a crime or for doing something bad or wrong” / “a bad feeling caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something bad or wrong 

     B. Raskolnikov’s inability to face society with a guilty conscience makes it impossible for him to interact with people to the point where his guilt leads him to unconsciously want to be found out so he can relieve himself of the burden. 

          1. Internal forces: self- accusatory, fear/want of consequence/punishment  

          2. External forces: the state’s laws against murder

III. Isolation only serves to intensify Raskolnikov’s inner sense of self-condemnation. 

     A. He cannot emotionally or physically withstand the effects of guilt. 

          1. Internal forces: becomes trapped in an inner loop of thought and worry, his mental conscience becomes more strict  

          2. External forces: barricades himself from the world, it becomes Raskolnikov vs the world 

     B. His room is his jail cell as well as his mind. The internal struggle to keep this abominable secret proves stronger than his emotional capacity. 

IV. Can a man survive the torture instilled upon by his own mind? 

     A. Sometimes the mind itself can be the worste judge, as seen in the mind of Raskolnikov who mercilessly judges himself. 

          1. Internal forces: the physical pressure and anxiety weighed down by all the harsh criticisms imposed on himself 

          2. External forces: society tortures those who break the laws through alienation and incarceration 

     B. He almost does not need to get arrested, his mind is his prison and the judge, the jury and the jailer are all firmly planted in his psyche. 

V. Raskolnikov loses the battle against his own mind. 

     A. He is unable to make peace with all the conflicts, internal and external, which he wages battle against. 

          1. Internal forces: not able to appease the harsh judge in his head, the anxiety and over-thinking reaches its final limit 

          2. External forces: the death that surround Raskolnikov catch up to him and remind him about his inevitable fate, society’s laws are stronger than his will 

     B. In the end, he has to surrender to himself and to society’s judicial system. He literally is not able to “get away with murder”. Guilt persecutes him to the point of insanity. 

Keri's More Extensive Outline

I. What is the formal definition of Guilt and what effects can it have on people? 
A.) Guilt is an emotion that occurs when a person believes that they have violated a moral standard that they themselves believe in. Guilt can last for long periods of time and can be very taxing emotionally. 
B.) This emotion can, oftentimes, restrict freedom and/or change a person's behavior. People tend to act cautiously when they are guilty.

II. How does Raskolnikov exhibit his guilt? 
A.) After Raskolnikov commits the murder, he immediately drives himself mad with illness. He is unconscious and spends a lot of time sleeping. 
B.) Guilt has been proven to affect a person's health. In a similar field, Depression and other emotions of this sort can cause a person to sleep constantly in order to avoid dealing with these emotions. For these reasons, It was obvious to me that Raskolnikov suffered from guilt. Raskolnikov was constantly in an unconscious state. 

III. What types of illness can guilt cause?
A.)  Guilt can cause a fever like that seen in "Crime and Punishment". It can also cause more severe illnesses. 
B.) This is due to the amygdala which is the part of the brain that associates emotions with occurrences in a person's life. 

IV. Can guilt affect a person physically? 
A.) Yes, it can. An example of this would be avoiding direct eye contact with someone. 
B.) Another example would be having physical pain in one part of the body as a result of the guilt one feels. 

V. Is it possible to find redemption? 
A.) Yes, it is possible to free oneself of this guilt and to change. After some time has gone by and punishments have been administered, it is possible to become a better person.
B.) However, it is not easy to find redemption. If a person is willing to change how they interact with others, it can happen. 

Ryan's More Extensive Outline

Ryan Pearson

How the setting of Crime and Punishment affects the story’s plot

Intro paragraph:

Fyodor Dostoyevsky successfully conveys the tone of Russia in the 1860s via his detailed account of the setting in Crime and Punishment. The setting of the novel, the rampant oppressive atmosphere of St. Petersburg in the 1860s, is critical to the development of the novel and is reiterated by the author in many elements of the story including the oppressive living conditions, the climate, unemployment, alcoholism and a general day-to-day sense of futility. 

Paragraph 1: Deplorable living conditions

The deplorable living conditions in St. Petersburg that Dostoyevsky writes about are a reflection of the depressing and gloomy existence of the common man living in St. Petersburg in the second half of the 19^th century.

·      One room apartments

·      Boarding houses

·      Furniture old and tattered

·      Low socioeconomic existence

·      No food

·      Torn, old shabby clothes

·      Example of despair

·      Theme of poverty evident through deplorable living conditions

Paragraph 2: Weather- always hot

The hot and stifling climate is symbolic of the suffering of the individuals and the uncomfortable existence of Russians in St. Petersburg.

·      Miserable climate

·      Dostoyevsky writes about sticky and humid day to day

·      Dostoyevsky writes about bad odor in St. Petersburg

·      Dirty and crowded also prevalent themes in story

·      Symbolic of misery and personal struggle

·      Also example of despair

·      Something no one can escape

Paragraph 3: Unemployment/ Financial Struggle

Unemployment and financial struggle are examples of the ongoing social problems that existed in St. Petersburg which Dostoyevsky uses to develop the theme of the novel. It is revealed through the actions of many, including Raskolnikov, who kills the pawnbroker, his sister Dunya, who considers marrying for financial stability, and through Sonia, who sells her body to help her family survive.

·      Again poverty theme

·      Most characters with the exception of a few (Luchin, Svidrigailov) have no money

·      Poverty bonds characters together (Nastasya always helps Raskolnikov, Sonia helps her family, Dunnia agrees to marry Luchin)

·      Illustrative of despair in day to day existence (although even with this bleak problem, characters strangely do not dwell on lack of resources)

Paragraph 4: Alcoholism

Alcoholism also illustrates the unhappiness and despair ever present in St. Petersburg.

·      Many of the characters drink daily

·      Many scenes occur in taverns

·      Sonya’s father Marmeladov is an alcoholic

·      Raskolnikov often goes to taverns in the story

·      Seems to support the theme of feeling of hopelessness and drinking away sorrow and unhappiness

Paragraph 5: Day-to-Day Sense of Futility (Lack of Change in Circumstance)

Dostoyevsky uses the day-to-day feeling of futility to reflect the feeling of hopelessness and lack of purpose experienced by many in St. Petersburg in the 1860s.

·      Life for many characters seems to be robotic-day to day, trying to survive

·      Despair and depression permeates novel

·      While some characters are able to pull themselves out of the horrific conditions, most remain in a gloomy and unhappy state worrying about paying the bills, feeding themselves or their family and survival

·      Many seem to live a somewhat isolated existed (in particular Raskolinikov)

·      A sense of hopeless resonates through most of the main characters and even some of the town people.

·      While there is a sense of camaraderie exhibited by many of the characters who help each other, nonetheless it seems impossible to improve social status and these theme of hopelessness is exhibited in several characters in the novel.

Isa's comment on Keri

Keri, I like your thesis because I think that it allows you to cover both a broad explanation while specifying the exact details in Crime and Punishment. I like how you begin with a definition of guilt. I think that is a great way to match Raskolnikov's actions with the definition of guilt and determine if the two clinically match up. I particularly like your last paragraph with the idea of redemption. While it is possible for some people, I think you've set yourself up to be able to explore the idea if Raskolnikov is able to redeem and free of himself of guilt. Based on the epilogue, you could draw some conclusions on the fact.
With this topic, you could also actually refute your own topic. Is it guilt or simply fear that draws such a physical reaction from Raskolnikov? It's a good way to address any of the readers' doubts as well as voice your own opinion and evidence from the book.

Isa's Thesis and Outline

Thesis: It is impossible for Raskolnikov to undergo any change as his pride cripples his ability for emotional growth.

I. Pride
Raskolnikov's obsession with superiority and disdain for adequacy is apparent in his murder. He doesnt murder for an explicit reason; neither insanity, boredom, gain etc. completely explains this mans' reason. What is apparent is that as we go on, Raskolnikov admits that the extraordinary man has the privilege to go beyond the "rules." Raskolnikov's own belief, that his, is pride leads him to murder women.

II. Obstacle
Though Raskolnikov feels invincible, his pride has very much so become his one true obstacle. Because he is no longer "afraid", he neglects every opportunity for confession and becomes increasingly arrogant. Confessing now symbolizes the "weaker" option. While he seems very arrogant and "brave", so to speak, his dreams and paranoia indicate that both pride and guilt or fear share a part of him.

III. Epilogue 
Raskolnikov is seen in love, and craving freedom at the end of the novel. But what is also apparent, is that his fixation of superiority and more so, his own, still holds a firm reign. He is reluctant to understand why the law applies to the superior man. Why should he be sorry if it was in his rights as an extraordinary man to murder? His thoughts indicate he has not, and may be unable to change.

Ryan's Comment on Keri's Outline

Keri,

I like the topic you chose. Although it seems all three of you migrated towards the same concept, I think you have done enough to make your paper stand out. Guilt plays a huge role in most of the book and will leave you with plenty to talk about in your paper. Asking questions in your outline was a good idea. You provide plenty of room to discuss the Freudian psychology etc. in the first paragraph. Then you introduce the book into the topic. This will allow the reader to adjust to understand the psychological toll guilt has on one’s brain and associate it with Raskolnikov. It seems to me that you have planned out your paper well.

           

Ryan Pearson

Keri's comment to Alex

Alex,
We happened to choose a similar theme. Our themes both involved mental stability and its effects on the psyche. I enjoyed how you went further as to say that the psyche cannot exist in a healthy manner unless all external forces are in harmony with each other. Our posts differ in that I talked specifically about the force of guilt whereas you took a broader approach.
One aspect you bring up is that isolation makes Raskolnikov worse. I never noticed this upon reading the novel but it is true. This and all of your other points will make for a very insightful research paper.

Keri's Thesis and Outline

Theme Chosen: Guilt

Thesis Statement: Dostoyevsky illustrates in "Crime and Punishment" that guilt can have a damaging effect on mental stability through Raskolnikov's journey after having committed his crime.

I. What is the formal definition of Guilt and what effects can it have on people? Guilt is an emotion that occurs when a person believes that they have violated a moral standard that they themselves believe in. This emotion can, oftentimes, restrict freedom and/or change a person's behavior. People tend to act cautiously when they are guilty.

II. How does Raskolnikov exhibit his guilt? After Raskolnikov commits the murder, he immediately drives himself mad with illness. He is unconscious and spends a lot of time sleeping. Guilt has been proven to affect a person's health. In a similar field, Depression and other emotions of this sort can cause a person to sleep constantly in order to avoid dealing with these emotions. For these reasons, It was obvious to me that Raskolnikov suffered from guilt.

III. What types of illness can guilt cause? Guilt can cause a fever like that seen in "Crime and Punishment". It can also cause more severe illnesses. This is due to the amygdala which is the part of the brain that associates emotions with occurrences in a person's life. 

IV. Can guilt affect a person physically? Yes, it can. An example of this would be avoiding direct eye contact with someone. 

V. Is it possible to find redemption? Yes, it is possible to free oneself of this guilt and to change. After some time has gone by and punishments have been administered, it is possible to become a better person.

Alex's Comment on Ryan's Outline

     Ryan, I like the topic you chose. Unlike most of us who wrote about Raskolnikov and his mental state, I think your topic is original. Setting is obviously a huge part of the entire scheme of the novel and serves as evidence for the events that occur. You start off very strong in your first paragraph. Since it is broad, you will be able to expand upon it and cite a few examples of Raskolnikov’s living conditions as well as the general state of the city. I like your symbolism of the heat of the city representing the suffering and uncomfortable existence of Russians. It is broad, however, I feel like it relates too much to your concept in paragraph 1 about the living conditions. Perhaps you could include the heat in your first paragraph. 

     I like how your topics vary from the literal setting of the novel to the socio-economic struggles of the city and then to alcoholism, a cultural issue. You provide good diversity between the different social issues going on in the novel. 

     You concluded with this idea of a lack of change which I think is very present in the novel. I think Dostoyevsky uses a slow-moving plot to characterize the oppression presented to us in Russian society throughout this time, or what you described as hopelessness. 

Ryan's Outline

Ryan Pearson

How the setting of Crime and Punishment affects the story’s plot

Intro paragraph:

Fyodor Dostoyevsky successfully conveys the tone of Russia in the 1860s via his detailed account of the setting in Crime and Punishment. The setting of the novel, the rampant oppressive atmosphere of St. Petersburg in the 1860s, is critical to the development of the novel and is reiterated by the author in many elements of the story including the oppressive living conditions, the climate, unemployment, alcoholism and a general day-to-day sense of futility. 

Paragraph 1: Deplorable living conditions

The deplorable living conditions in St. Petersburg that Dostoyevsky writes about are a reflection of the depressing and gloomy existence of the common man living in St. Petersburg in the second half of the 19^th century.

Paragraph 2: Weather- always hot

The hot and stifling climate is symbolic of the suffering of the individuals and the uncomfortable existence of Russians in St. Petersburg.

Paragraph 3: Unemployment/ Financial Struggle

Unemployment and financial struggle are examples of the ongoing social problems that existed in St. Petersburg which Dostoyevsky uses to develop the theme of the novel. It is revealed through the actions of many, including Raskolnikov, who kills the pawnbroker, his sister Dunya, who considers marrying for financial stability, and through Sonia, who sells her body to help her family survive.

Paragraph 4: Alcoholism

Alcoholism also illustrates the unhappiness and despair ever present in St. Petersburg.

Paragraph 5: Day-to-Day Sense of Futility (Lack of Change in Circumstance)

Dostoyevsky uses the day-to-day feeling of futility to reflect the feeling of hopelessness and lack of purpose experienced by many in St. Petersburg in the 1860s.

Alex's Outline

Theme Chosen: Human Psyche 

Thesis Statement: Dostoyevsky proves in the novel Crime and Punishment that mental stability rests on internal and external forces being in harmony with each other and cannot exist either in rejection or isolation. 

I. What is mental stability and what does it depend on? Drawing upon contemporary psychological definitions and instances from the novel, I will argue that it rests on both external and internal forces being in harmony. Raskolnikov’s mental instability stems from his violent rejection and rebellion against the social, judicial, moral and cultural influences surrounding him. This huge conflict is what destabilizes and ultimately destroys Raskolnikov’s mental and emotional well-being. 

II. Raskolnikov’s external need to escape the guilt-ridden memory of his crime proves impossible even in his self-imposed isolation. Raskolnikov’s inability to face society with a guilty conscience makes it impossible for him to interact with people to the point where his guilt leads him to unconsciously want to be found out so he can relieve himself of the burden. 

III. Isolation only serves to intensify Raskolnikov’s inner sense of self-condemnation. He cannot emotionally or physically withstand the effects of guilt. His room is his jail cell as well as his mind. The internal struggle to keep this abominable secret proves stronger than his emotional capacity. 

IV. Can a man survive the torture instilled upon by his own mind? Sometimes the mind itself can be the worse judge, as seen in the mind of Raskolnikov who mercilessly judges himself. He almost does not need to get arrested, his mind is his prison and the judge, the jury and the jailer are all firmly planted in his psyche. 

 V. Raskolnikov loses the battle against his own mind. He is unable to make peace with all the conflicts, internal and external, which he wages battle against. In the end, he has to surrender to himself and to society’s judicial system. He literally is not able to “get away with murder”. Guilt persecutes him to the point of insanity.