Madie's Response P.4 Ch.4

Like Alex said, this chapter has been quite important in revealing Raskolnikov's character. His meeting with Sonia seems to show him how he misses his family. Also, I agree with her that Raskolnikov identifies with Sonia because perhaps in his mind, they have both sinned; him with the murder, and her being a prostitute. The story about Lazarus that Sonia reads to him, seems not only to have significance to her but also to him. I liked how Alex said Raskolnikov really seeks resurrection. However, I believe it is a resurrection of his own conscience and goodness that he seeks. Like Alex said, his actions have destroyed his life and his own self. I think that this might even show that he regrets his actions. Or perhaps more that he want's to escape them. Either way, he seems to be drawn to the story. I also liked what Gabe said, how Raskolnikov's time is running out, especially when he talked about Svidrigaliov listening at the door. He brought up a good point also that Raskolnikov will not be able to change his character now, "[sealing] his own fate". I agree with both Alex and Gabe that Raskolnikov will soon be found either guilty and charged with the murder, or as Alex suggested, he will confess.


Madie

gabe's response to Alex's reaction Part 4 Ch 4

I agree with Alex that this chapter was essential as a further revelation to Raskolnikov's character. Raskolnikov's meeting with Sonya demonstrated similar qualities between them and they had somewhat of a connection. I find it interesting out Alex pointed out that this connection may have been a product of the fact that they are both sinners, and I agree with this statement. Both Raskolinkov and Sonya want to support their family any way that they can. Unfortunately, Sonya resorts to prostitution to do so. I agree with Alex when she said that Raskolnikov has a deranged sense of judgement because he seems to think that they are both on the same level of sin, even though he is a sociopathic murderer and she is a prostitute working to bring some form of income to her family in times of financial distress. Alex's analysis of Lazarus's story is very in depth, and I think it as accurate as it can be. The only reason why the author would include this portion must have been for the reader to make the comparison between Lazarus and Raskolnikov. I believe the significance of the resurrection in Raskolnikov's life is most likely how he wants to start life over and not have the overwhelming weight of of the guilt he carries from his crimes to be lifted off of him. Finally, I agree with Alex that the only way for Raskolnikov to achieve this "resurrection" is to end up confessing. I am curious to see whether he ends up doing this or being accused by others, but either way it is evident that it is only a matter of time until his physical punishment occurs.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Madie's Response to Alex

I thought that Alex's reaction was very insightful and I agree with most parts. I thought that her description of the Lazarus story was quite interesting because I did not know that he was resurrected. I now see why Raskolnikov would have such a personal attachment to this story. As Alex said, he wants to be "resurrected" and start over in his life. He does not want to keep all of this guilt an he wants to be free again. Like Lararus he strives to become resurrected in order to re-live his life perhaps without the sins of his past. I also liked Alex's statement that Raskolnikov considered himself an equal to Sonya because in his mind they were the same; sinners. I agree with her that Raskolnikov's sense of right and wrong is definitely slight skewed if he puts prostitution for family support in the same category as murder.

I share Alex's intrigue into what will happen next, and agree with her that Raskolnikov will end up confessing at some point.


- Madie

Alex's response to Madie

Madie brought up an interesting point by discussing the contrast between Sonya and Raskolnikov’s faith in religion. While Sonya believes that God will ultimately protect her family and ensure their well being, Raskolnikov believes that both he and Sonya are going to hell due to the sins they committed. She and I both agree that it is interesting how Raskolnikov compares himself to Sonya. I really liked how Madie stated that this led Raskolnikov to find “a sort of refuge in Sonya's bedroom.” I also liked how Madie stated that Raskolnikov’s feelings of a connection between Sonya and himself may be the result of their shared family values. This was an interesting point because I immediately assumed that this connection stemmed from the fact that they are both sinners. Moreover, Madie and I are both curious to see if Raskolnikov will soon confess. His constant dropping of hints about who committed the murders is making both of us suspenseful and excited for what we will read next. I am also curious to find out more about Svidrigailov’s character. At this point in the novel, he has been portrayed as a very mysterious man with unclear motives. However, I personally think that Svidrigailov knows more about Raskolnikov’s situation than Dostoevsky wants us to believe. I think that Svidrigailov is seeking revenge on Raskolnikov for not allowing him to be with Dunya, and he is doing this by finding out whether or not Raskolnikov actually committed the murders so he can turn him into the police. At this point, I cannot really tell if Raskolnikov will have the chance to confess before he is caught by the police. However, I am extremely convinced that the authorities will find out sooner or later.  

Alex

Raskolnikov's guilt

-Alex

Madie's Reaction

This chapter was very interesting. The entire chapter involves Raskolnikovs meeting with Sonya (Marmeladov's daughter) and their conversation. During their conversation, Sonya's distress on her family's financial situation becomes even more clear. Here we find out that Sonya, is so desperate to believe everything will be alright that she places her faith in religion, saying that God will ultimately protect her family and ensure their well-being. This contrasts Raskolnikov's general attitude and so it is intriguing that he is finding, a sort of refuge in Sonya's bedroom. He seems to relate to her on some level, perhaps since she is a prostitute he feels that she has also done something immoral, and thus they share something. Or it might be that he shares her values for family. Whatever the case may be, he seems to share something with her. Further, the story of Lazarus from the Bible seemed to move both of them. I am not sure fully what the story was about or why it effected them so strongly, but both of them seemed to be quite moved by Sonya's reading of it. By the end of the chapter, the plot slips back to Raskolnikov and the murder, when he tells Sonya that she will soon learn who committed the murders. This is an obvious foreshadowing of his confession to come, however Svidrigailov is also eavesdropping from the door! I don't think this will be good for Raskolnikov. He is hinting that he knows who did it, and now Svidrigailov knows that he knows. I am intrigued to see if Raskolnikov confesses or if perhaps Svidrigailov will accuse him before he can.

- Madie

Gabe's response to Part 4 Ch. 4 reactions

I believe that both Madie brought up important issues to be discussed regarding this chapter. Madie appropriately contrasts Sonya's faith in God and her disparity to restore her families finances through her selfless yet degrading deeds, and Raskolnikov's past evil that he is attempting to run away from. I think it was clever how Madie said that the reason why Raskolnikov was in Sonya's room was because it felt like a refuge from all the bad in his life. I agree with Madie that Raskolnikov sees some of himself in Sonya because of her impurity and sinful lifestyle, despite her compassionate intentions. I disagree with the fact that Raskolnikov is focussing on the idea that their similarity is that they both care for family; I think it is more likely that he sees impurity in both of them. I agree that the story of Lazarus probably foreshadows their destiny, which is why they become so emotional and intrigued in the story. I also agree with Madie that Svidrigailov eavesdropping at the door when Raskolnikov tells Sonya that she will soon know the murderer will be no good news for Raskolnikov. I agree that this shows that Raskolnikov is bound to be caught any time now, but judging from his past actions I do not think that he has the audacity and courage to own up to his crime and confess on his own will. I think it is more likely that Svidrigailov will have something to do with him being caught, whether he traps Raskolnikov into admitting it or informs the authorities of this overheard conversation.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabe's reaction to Part 4 Ch 4

This chapter provides us with further insight into Raskolnikov and Sonya's emotions. With the progression of each chapter, it is clear that Raskolnikov is in fact going through a change in character, for the better. However, i still believe its too late for Raskolnikov and that this will not change the fact that his fate is sealed and he is in some way, destined to be doomed. It is also clear that everyone is beginning to turn on Raskolnikov. Sonya was even petrified at the sight of him, and only after conversing for a while did she begin to calm down. The story from the bible that Sonya reads also foreshadows both their fate and provides each of them with a sense of security as it resembles their lives. Raskolnikov is gradually becoming more compassionate and Sonya can also relate the story to her own life. Raskolnikov eventually informs Sonya of his decision to leave and invites her to join him. This is because he believes that despite their significant differences in personalities (her selflessness and will to sacrifice herself for her loved ones as opposed to Raskolnikov's selfish and hostile actions), there are similarities between them. Both of them destroyed the life of a human being -- Raskolnikov murdered two women and Sonya ruined her life by prostituting herself to support her family, symbolically ending her own life. At the end of their conversation, Raskolnikov hints that she will soon find out who murdered Lizaveta. Throughout this entire conversation, Svidrigailov was eavesdropping next door. The events in this chapter illustrate that there is not much time left until Raskolnikov comes clean and confesses or is caught.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Alex's Reaction to Part 4, Chapter 4

Raskolnikov’s meeting with Sonia (Marmeladov’s daughter) in this chapter revealed a lot about his character. I think that Raskolnikov, who just recently left his mother and sister, realized that without his family, he has nothing. I also think that Raskolnikov sees a similarity between Sonia and himself because they are both sinners. Raskolnikov’s deranged sense of right and wrong is apparent in this chapter because he believes that being a murderer is no worse than being a prostitute, despite the fact that Sonia has turned to prostitution to support her family.

The significance of the Lazarus story to Raskolnikov’s character is extremely evident.  Through this story, Dostoyevsky reveals that like Lazarus, Raskolnikov wants to be resurrected. There is a clear similarity between Raskolnikov and Lazarus given the fact that Raskolnikov destroyed his current life when he murdered the Ivanova sisters. In my opinion, Raskolnikov will not feel at ease with himself until he confesses for the crime. Therefore, confession may be Raskolnikov’s only chance of finding redemption and having another chance in life.

- Alex

-Alex

Video Discussion #3 - November 16, 2012

Raskolnikov's Article "On Crime"

Video Reenactment of Raskolnikov's Article

(click the link)



-Alex

Madie's Response

I agree with both of my partners. I thought that Alex's interpretation of Svidrigailov was very accurate, he seems very dishonest, and does not seem to be very trustworthy yet. There is something about him that seems wrong. The fact that he offers money for Dunya's love makes me think that unlike what he insists his motives are not purely for love. Also, I liked how she noted it was comical and almost ironic that Raskolnikov can consider this man to be insane when he himself, is almost on the brink of insanity.  I agree with both Alex and Gabe during the description of why Raskolnikov decides to leave. On one hand, I agree with Gabe, that he could possibly be doing this for his own protection, instead of out of love for his family. However, I also agree with Alex that it seems to be a selfless act he commits. However what we all are agreeing on is that this choice his character made was an unexpected one. Wether or not it was for good reasons or out of love is debatable, however he is acting unpredictably which will undoubtedly play a role in his coping of the murder. 
I am excited to see what happens. 


- Madie

Alex response part IV

I agree with both of my partners’ opinions on Chapters 1-3 of Part IV. Both Madie and Gabe made several valid points in discussing these chapters. All three of us share similar thoughts in regard to Svidrigailov. He is an odd character who will most likely prove essential to the plot later in the novel. Like Madie said, there is definitely something mysterious about Svidrigailov, which indicates that Dostoyevsky has not yet revealed everything about his character. I agree with Madie’s belief that Raskolnikov’s recent righteousness marks the beginning of a drastic personality change. I understand why Gabriel disagrees with this theory because it is too early to judge Raskolnikov’s definite intentions. However, after everything Raskolnikov has sacrificed for Dunya and his mother, I honestly do not think that he would run away from the only stable aspect of his life. On another note, Gabe brought up a very interesting point by questioning whether Raskolnikov is being noble by protecting his family from the pain they will feel if he is found guilty of the murders, or if he is just trying to conceal himself from the law and hide from the consequences. Quite honestly, I can’t answer this question because even though Raskolnikov has gone to great measures to protect his family, he is still an incredibly selfish and cruel character who would not surprise me if he betrayed those who truly cared for him. Lastly, I like how Gabe and Madie both pointed out that some good is clearly beginning to surface in Raskolnikov’s personality as he realizes that there is not much else he can do to avoid the truth about the murders. Like Madie said, regardless of whether Raskolnikov is trying to run or protect his family, he does not want them to be associated with him and his wrongdoings. I am excited to see if Raskolnikov is actually trying to better himself as a person and regain some of the conscience that was lost.

Alex 

Gabe's response part 4 ch 1-3

I believe that Madie brought up some interesting points regarding the opening chapters of part 4. I agree with her on the subject that the man in Raskolnikov's room is strange and, judging by the author's past foreshadowing techniques, he will be significant later on in the story. There must be something more to this character and I am eager to find out what it is. Madie also states that Raskolnikov's personality makes a drastic change by the end of chapter 3. I believe that this topic is not perfectly clear as we are still not able to judge Raskolnikov's definite intentions. It is hard to say whether he is trying to protect himself or his family by running away and leaving them after making sure that his family will be protected by Razumikhin. Also, I am still trying to decide whether he is being noble by protecting his family from the knowledge and pain they will feel after he is found guilty of the murders, or if he is just trying to conceal himself from the law and hide from the consequences. However, I do believe that there is a character change at this point in the novel. There is definitely some good surfacing in his personality as he realizes that there is not much left he can do to avoid the truth. I also think that Madie is right, despite whether he is trying to run or protect his family, he does not want them to be associated with him and his wrongdoings. I think Madie brings up valid questions to be asking at this point in the novel. At this point we know that he will be exposed for the crimes he committed, but we do not know how the truth will surface -- will he confess or be caught? And what will his punishment be? I am excited to continue reading to see how this conflict will be resolved.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabe's reaction to part 4 ch 1-3

The opening chapters of part 4 are very intriguing. It is clear that the plot is beginning to unravel as more and more people begin to suspect Raskolnikov of his crime and he slowly begins to accept this reality. In chapter 1, a new character appears called Svidrigailov. He is a sketchy character and his significance in the story is not very apparent. He is persistent and has low morals, which is shown when  he offers money in order to be with Raskolnikov's sister, Dunya. Raskolnikov also views him as insane, which I find interesting as they have similar qualities. I am curious to see what this man's significance is to the development of the story. Dunya once again shows her strong, rational, and independent qualities when she finally leaves Luzhin and decides she cannot tolerate him anymore. Raskolnikov reacts strangely to this. At first, everyone is happy at this decision and there is a celebratory atmosphere amongst them all. However, Raskolnikov quickly becomes anxious and seems preoccupied like always. After showing noble and caring characteristics by offering to protect Dunya and his family, he suddenly changes his mind and leaves Razumikhin in charge of protecting his family. This confused me as I am not sure if his intentions were caring or selfish. He may be feeling too guilty and does not want to cause any harm to his family, but he may also be trying to run away as he is starting to realize that too many people are beginning to suspect him. At the end of chapter 3, Razumikhin is sure that Raskolnikov is in fact the murderer. I am interested to see what he will do about this new discovery, Raskolnikov's furture plans, his family's future, and Raskolnikov's fate.

Alex Part IV

I really enjoyed the first few chapters of Part IV in Crime and Punishment. At the end of Part III, Dostoyevsky integrates a new character into the plot by describing the man as a stranger who appears in Raskolnikov’s bedroom. The fact that Dostoyevsky ended Part III without introducing the strange man created a great amount of suspense that carries over into the opening chapters of Part IV. In Chapter 1, we finally learn who the mysterious stranger in Raskolnikov’s room is. He identifies himself as Svidrigailov, and has come to seek Raskolnikov’s help in his pursuit of Dunya. Currently, I get the impression that Svidrigailov is somewhat insignificant to the novel’s central plot. Nonetheless, I was still intrigued with his character because of his morals. While I do not doubt that Svidrigailov is faking his love for Dunya, it is clear that he is not a very noble or respectable person when he offers money in exchange for Dunya’s love. I thought it was quite comical when Raskolnikov deemed Svidrigailov insane and lunatic because of the fact that Raskolnikov, himself, is clearly mentally crazy and unstable. One thing I have noticed in Crime and Punishment is that nearly all of the characters have dishonorable and corrupt ethics. In my opinion, this says a lot about the setting of the novel and indicates that such behavior was common back in that time period. Also in these chapters of Part IV, Dunya finally ends her engagement to Luzhin. I was surprised by Raskolnikov’s reaction to this, because he finally shows the honorable side of his personality. After arranging for Razhumikhin to support his mother and sister, Raskolnikov separates himself from his family. In my opinion, Raskolnikov knows that it is in his family’s best interest for him to distance himself from them, however, he would not do so until he knew they would be cared for. This captured my attention because it was the first time that Raskolnikov acted out of selflessness. I am excited (and hopeful) to see if this newfound generosity will continue.

-Alex

Madie's Reaction

I thought that these chapters were interesting. First, we learn who the man was in Raskolnikov's room. Svidrigailov is now introduced as another character, proclaiming his love for Dunya. However, he does so in a strange and odd way, that even Raskolnikov questions his sanity. Svidrigailov I think will be an important character but I'm not sure how yet. There is something kind of mysterious about him, like not everything is revealed about him yet. Secondly, by chapter three Raskolnikov does something that switches his character around completely. He begins to show compassion for his sister and mother by distancing himself from them. He wants to leave them as long as they are being taken care of, and supported. I think that this is a turning point for Raskolnikov because the only reason he would do that is because he cares about them and does not want them to be associated with him if he were to confess or be found guilty of the murder. Up until now, Raskolnikov has been depicted as a selfish and self aborbed person, believing that he had the right to commit the murder and so forth. However, now he sees that his actions not only affect him but perhaps it could affect those who he cares about or who care about him. This also brings up the question, now that he is deciding to distance himself from his family, is he deciding to confess soon? His anxiety is obviously increasing, but is it enough to make him crack under the pressure and tell someone that he committed the murder?
I am intrigued to see where the novel goes.


- Madie

-Alex