Isa's Term Paper

            Isa Scola

5/4/14

Period 5

Crime and Punishment Term Paper

             “The Seven Deadly Sins are those transgressions which are fatal to spiritual progress” (Deadlysins.com); Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.  Each one contributes to the demise of an individual. Pride is defined as a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity,  merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. (Dictionary. Reference).This often fatal flaw has been written into many of literature’s complicated characters; Oedipus, Macbeth, King Claudius etc.  Crime and Punishment written by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a composition that denotes the fragility of the human psyche and the consequences of one’s actions. But the protagonist’s pride and zealous self-belief contribute to his catastrophic downfall. While pride can be positive, more often than not, pride only leads to false delusions of grandeur. It is impossible for Raskolnikov to undergo any change as his pride cripples his emotional growth.

              Raskolnikov could be described as a somewhat enigmatic character. His sudden shifts from a rambling mad man to coherence often polarize the reader. Mental illness is never explicitly spoken, but as the novel progresses, Raskolnikov’s emotional stability decreases. Like his mental state, Raskolnikov’s motive for murder remains unclear. Reasons such as cruelty, insanity, money and even boredom could have led the killing spree. But Raskolnikov’s enduring pride begins to become a constant trait. “Every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. His ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other to and to a greater or lesser extent.” (apsa.org Freud_Quotes). Applying Freud’s thesis, Raskolnikov is acutely in touch with his “id” , the carnal and instinctual nature to which man must hide in order to survive in society. But his embrace of this bestial nature has led to a warped complex. Raskolnikov is under the belief that he is a “superior man”. He believes himself to be extraordinary and thus impervious.  A select few of the society have the privilege to rise above others and the laws that smaller men have created. Raskolnikov’s own insecurities could have created such delusions. Similar to the Napoleon Complex, Raskolnikov’s own shortcomings are manifesting themselves as “extraordinary qualities.” Raskolnikov even references Napoleon thus showcasing his admiration for despicable, yet powerful men. (A Study of Pride and Guilt in Dostoevsky, Jennifer Cleary) Though living in squalid conditions and financially unsecure, he is under the distinct belief that he is above others and rules do not apply to men of his nature. And it his very pride that inhibits any self-awareness. His inability to speak of failure or weakness destroys any chance of repent or integrity. Raskolnikov’s arrogance could also explain the murders he committed. A question that Raskolnikov would pose himself is if he is such an extraordinary man, than wouldn’t something as “sensational” as murder prove his ability?

            Raskolnikov’s aversion to weakness drives his actions. He sneers at shortcomings and believes that he, nor any other superior man, should have. But beneath that, Raskolnikov hides a deep, almost pathological self-loathing. His pride is a clever ruse for his paralyzing fear. He is unable to identify his own being, and he kills and alienates himself from others in order to control something in his life. Perceiving this as a unspeakable flaw, Raskolnikov rationalizes with the belief that he must “overcome” this hate. His gruesome dream of the beaten horse seemed to have been a wakeup call for Raskolnikov. His own disgust at the dream is palpable. But does the cruelty toward the animal, or his own “weak” reaction to the horse drive his disgust? Is he ashamed of himself for a perceived feminine reaction? Immediately after, Raskolnikov decides to kill two women. His pride was hurt after his dream; he was ashamed that such a reaction came from him. To prove his superiority was intact, he proceeded to kill two defenseless women. His pride provides him with the rationale that the superior man shouldn’t feel guilt for killing the meeker.   

            Raskolnikov’s pride is a part of a vicious cycle. His delusional behavior hinders his ability to grow and instead, feeds his self-importance. The regulations he has set for himself, those of a superior man, enable him to disassociate with the brutality of his actions. By adhering to the rigid guidelines, he never fully comprehends the extent of his doings.  Without this self-awareness, his pride is forced to emerge as his forefront characteristic and controls different aspects of his life. But with pride at the helm, any growth is impossible for change is seen as unnecessary.

Almost every individual is prideful. Pride can go hand in hand with a healthy amount of self - confidence. But through the novel, it is proven that pride became Raskolnikov’s downfall and in fact, compensates for his lack of self-confidence.  His high self-regard impedes his emotional tethers. Raskolnikov has a strong familial presence around him. His mother and sister love him though he continually alienates himself. His human connections are limited due to the esteem to which he holds himself at.  It is ambiguous whether Raskolnikov disregards others due to self-importance or the thought that dependence is weak. But it is very probable that the lack of stable love in his life could be due to a latent belief that he does not require help, leading to a constant isolation. His relationship with Sonia is enigmatic. She is a kinda-hearted prostitute that is able to see something in him, which he himself has never been able to.  He confesses he loves her, but only while incarcerated.  “Prisoners struggle to control and suppress their own internal emotional reactions to events around them…Admissions of vulnerability to persons inside the immediate prison environment are potentially dangerous because they invite exploitation. The outward appearance of normality and adjustment may mask a range of serious problems in adapting to the freeworld.”(aspce.gov) The effect of prison is undeniable on emotional health. Raskolnikov’s “love” of Sonia could be an attempt to override the isolation and abuse he felt in prison. After all that has occurred, it is difficult to judge whether Raskolnikov is genuine, or even capable of sincerity. Even more telling is his relationship with Razhumin. Razhumin seems to be the antithesis of Raskolnikov. He is accepting, loyal and understanding. And though he continually offers his support, Raskolnikov constantly rejects it. In fact, he mocks the man. Friendship with Raskolnikov will never be conventional or even healthy for his pride does not allow for a two sided relationship.

          '‘Pride and self-confidence were growing in him every moment; with each succeeding moment he was no longer the man he had been a moment before.” (Crime and Punishment p. 172) Raskolnikov’s esteem has begun to result in dangerous outcomes. His self-confidence now efficiently thwarts any desire to turn himself in. One of the ongoing conflicts within the novel is whether to live a wretched but free life or turning himself in to an uncertain life sentence in prison. Raskolnikov hesitates  with a life of freedom vs. incarceration. He knows prison guarantees some peace of mind, but he also recognizes the alternative. As time goes on, his psychosis develops further as does his pride. Delusions lead him to believe he can now escape the law and escape repercussions of what he has committed. His interactions with Porfiry feed his arrogance and the dangerous cat-and-mouse between the two entertains Raskolnikov. He is now engaged in this “duel” with the investigator, and with a foe near him, confessing soon morphs into an option that only the “weak” would take.

                 “Dreams are the royal roads to the unconscious.” (apsa.org Freud_Quotes) Famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud is noted for the importance he placed on dreams. If one were to apply Freud’s methods to Raskolnikov, then Raskolnikov’s complex character could be deciphered. The reader  is introduced to Raskolnikov with his first and last dream. The two trances contrast the differences in mind set as time goes on.  In the prison infirmary, Raskolnikov dreamt of an apocalyptic world where a plague swept across the nations. A select few are able to survive while the majority of the world parish at the hands of this infection. Superficially, one could say that the survivors represent the superior men that deserve and have found a way to survive amongst filth. But the countless deaths that occur also symbolize the repressed guilt that is only shown unconsciously, for Raskolnikov’s pride masks any remorse while awake.  Raskolnikov could  be applying himself  as the actual illness. It is men like himself that infects society and kills those that are weaker.  It is interesting to note that Raskolnikov never gives an explicit reason for his so called superiority.  It is simply that he is born so gifted. The lack of explanation could be ignorance or Raskolnikov himself has no explanation but his pride does not allow him to believe that his superiority complex is futile and without evidence.

                 Like any “tragic flaw”, Raskolnikov’s excessive hubris eventually leads to his downfall. One of the deeper consequences due to his pride is the isolation that Raskolnikov subjects himself to. He has effectively driven away the ones who cared for him in his life. Only Sonia seems to still believe in him, and that is only on the promise of his surrender. Once boastful and sure of himself, Raskolnikov now lives in constant paranoia and fear of his imminent capture.  It is fairly ironic that such a prideful man has morphed into the weaker individual; exactly the type of man he despises. His rejection of support has led him to a diminished state and even more unlikelihood of realization.

                 By the time the epilogue is revealed, it is questionable whether Raskolnikov has had any emotional growth. Has he been able to change? It is a valid question since it was Raskolnikov who turned himself in. He seems to be quietly finishing his sentence, and has found that he has fallen in love with Sonia. But it is slowly shown that Raskolnikov is in fact confused by the reaction to his crimes. He believes that his murders were not that punishable, and in fact, what is worse,to him,was his inability to avoid getting caught for his crimes. He still believes that the superior man does not deserve punishment and it is within his right to kill those beneath him. His love for Sonia is interesting; his passion for her engulfs him and he is seized with a sudden happiness that not only surprises the couple, but the reader themselves. The lightness of Raskolnikov’s self is startling especially when he is still in prison. But arguably, his ravenous love for her is a compensation for the love he has never been able to have for himself. Often relationships, whether romantic or platonic, are ruined due to insecurities one has for themselves. When one cannot learn to love themselves, just as Raskolnikov, it is likely that they project “too much” affection and importance on to the other. The novel ends with Raskolnikov’s new life approaching. But in reality, a new life is far from attainable for this man. His low self-esteem but toppling pride have never allowed him to properly develop. The confusion and existential crisis can be reduced, if not solved, with a companion in his life. But Raskolnikov’s final rant on the overreaction to his crimes proves that he is still very alone in his beliefs. His alienation has not ended even with Sonia at his side. A change would only be attainable by accepting the finality of his actions yet his pride would never allow him to realize that the absolute insanity not to mention brutality of the murders he committed. There will always be an excuse or rationalization as long as his pride is in tact.

                The sins that Raskolnikov committed were brought upon by a deadly sin; pride. The god-like complex not only set off a bloody crime scene, but also effectively killed any remaining humanity in Raskolnikov. His weakened self-identity and heightened pride will follow him for the rest of his life, and proactively stop any chance of emotional growth.

Works Cited

-Cleary, J. (n.d.). Dreams, Devils, and Dominion: A Study of Pride and Guilt in Dostoevsky. Dreams, Devils, and Dominion: A Study of Pride and Guilt in Dostoevsky. Retrieved May 4, 2014

-Freud Quotes. (n.d.). Freud Quotes. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://www.apsa.org/About_Psychoanalysis/Freud_Quotes.aspx

-The Contrary, Heavenly, and Cardinal Virtues. (n.d.). The Contrary, Heavenly, and Cardinal Virtues. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://www.deadlysins.com/virtues.html

-The Psychological Impact of Incarceration: Implications for Post-Prison Adjustment. (n.d.). The Psychological Impact of Incarceration: Implications for Post-Prison Adjustment. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/prison2home02/haney.htm

-pride. (n.d.). Dictionary.com. Retrieved May 4, 2014, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pride

-Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment.New York: Barnes & Nobles, 2007. Print.