Raskolnikov

This is a picture from the 1935 movie version of Crime and Punishment with Peter Lorre here as Raskolnikov. 

- Madie

Response to both Alex and Gabe's Posts

I think we all are pretty much in agreement with the same point of view in regards to our first reactions towards Crime and Punishment. However, like Alex said earlier, within the first few pages of the novel, the reader gains an immediate understanding of exactly what is going on inside the young mans mind. His internal conflicts create a thrilling suspense and yet we still do not even know his name! Further, when the narrator emphasizes Raskolnikov's dubious plan without specifically stating what it is, there is even more suspense placed on the reader with the ambiguity of the whole situation. At this point I really liked how Alex described Raskolnikov's "struggle between his will to commit the crime and his disgust at the thought of doing so." Here, Gabe says much the same thing, which I agree with strongly. Further, I liked Gabe's impression of Marmeladov, I thought that it was very insightful and I agree with it. Marmeladov definitely struggles with himself, knowing what the right thing is to do, but he does not take responsibility for his actions. He knows they are wrong but will not, or can not, admit that they are ultimately his fault. I also liked what Gabe said about Raskolnikov's character traits by the end of his meeting with Marmeladov, how he selflessly gives up what little money he does have, to help the family. I am curious to see how the novel progresses, as it will no doubt have many twists to come. 


- Madie

Ch. 1-3 Blog Entry #2

As indicated in my previous review regarding the opening pages of Crime and Punishment, I agree with Madie that the author made it easier to focus on particular characteristics of Raskolnikov’s life by withholding information such as his name until later in the story. She and I also agree that Marmeladov, a drunk and retired government official that Raskolnikov meets in a bar, has a very intriguing life story. Despite his good intentions, I did not find myself sympathizing with Marmeladov’s character. Even though Marmeladov acknowledges that his family’s problems directly result from his inappropriate behavior, he continues to use the family money to satisfy his alcohol addiction. Furthermore, his wife Katerina Ivanovna, who married Marmeladov out of desperation, forces Marmeladov’s daughter, Sonya into prostitution in order to generate more income for the family. Unfortunately, Marmeladov commits the selfish act of using this money on alcohol. At this point in the story, I agree with Gabe’s opinion that Marmeladov serves as a terrible example and father to his children for allowing his daughter to register as a legal prostitute in order to provide money for the family. If Marmeladov were really that desperate, he would stop spending Sonya’s earnings on alcohol, find himself well-paying job, and use the money to support his family. Marmeladov’s life story gave me insight into Saint Petersburg and Russian culture during the nineteenth century. This was extremely fascinating for me due to the fact that I visited Saint Petersburg over the summer, and found it quite enthralling to see how much has changed since the 1800’s. In response to the letter Raskolnikov receives from his mother, I agree with Gabe and Madie’s hypothesis’ that Raskolnikov will not allow his sister to marry Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin and their will be conflict between the protagonist and the groom. Not only is the marriage between Pyotr and Raskolnikov’s sister insulting to Raskolnikov’s pride, but Raskolnikov also wants the best for his sister and does not want her marrying a man who proposed for the sole reason of boosting his reputation.



Alex Balogh

Gabe's reaction to Madie's first impression

I believe Madie's review on chapters 1-3 was very accurate and I strongly agree with her. The author does not reveal the protagonist's name within the first few pages. This allows the reader to focus on the details surrounding his life and personality while creating suspense and curiosity. Marmeladov's character creates controversy. While his intentions were to help his family, he had an uncontrollable addiction to alcohol that prevented them from exiting the poverty lifestyle multiple times. As soon as he was offered a job, he disposed of his chances of success by drinking away his money. It was almost as if he was incapable of maintaining a successful lifestyle. However, Madie stated that he knew what the right thing to do was. This is the only part where I disagree. Although he may have had all the best intentions by finding a job and attempting to support his family, he was a terrible father for allowing his daughter to prostitute herself to increase the family income as this is never a proper resort regardless of the situation. It is true that it is impossible to predict the outcome of the novel, however, judging by his negative reaction to his mother's letter I predict that Raskolikov will not allow his sister to marry this man due to not only his pride but his concern for his family's well being. I agree with Madie that at some point in the novel that he and the groom will not get along and will most likely engage in some form of altercation.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

First Impression

I found the first three chapters of Crime and Punishment to be quite entertaining. In the beginning of the first chapter, Dostoyevsky chooses not to introduce the young man who acts as the story’s protagonist. Instead, he chooses to elaborate on the details of the character’s life, such as his extreme state of poverty, the torn up rags he uses as clothes, and his emotional state of mind. Within the first two paragraphs of the novel, the narrator informs the reader that the mental condition of the young man is irritable, exasperated and on the verge of hypochondria. In addition, the speaker asserts that the young man “had become so completely absorbed in himself, and isolated from his fellows that he dreaded meeting not only his landlady, but any one at all” (Dostoyevsky 1). Through this statement, Dostoyevsky emphasizes fundamental features in the protagonist’s character that become more evident as the novel progresses. Moreover, I appreciated the author’s technique of introducing the main character with immense detail, while neglecting to provide the most significant detail- his name. However, the young man later introduces himself as a student named Raskolnikov while meeting with Alyona Ivanovna, a pawnbroker. The narrator informs the reader of a terrible plan Raskolnikov has devised over the last month. Although Dostoyevsky does not elaborate on the young man’s plan, he creates suspense by associating it with Alyona Ivanovna and notifies us that Raskolnikov carefully observes her surroundings in connection with his plan. Within the first chapter, Raskolnikov’s internal conflict manifests as we observe his struggle between his will to commit the crime and his disgust at the thought of doing so. In my opinion, the introduction of Crime and Punishment generated a lot of suspense and immediately captivated my attention. I am impelled to continue reading and excited to find out more information regarding Raskolnikov’s plan.

-Alex Balogh

First Impression: Part 1 Ch. 1-3

Raskolikov, the protagonist, had to face several difficulties in order to survive in his poor living conditions. He demonstrates cowardly characteristics as his stomach churns at the thought of facing his landlady, to whom he owes several months rent to. He is constantly nervous and living in fear. He is a suspicious person as he avoids all human contact including former acquaintances and friends. His character is further taken into question as he deliberates on an unrevealed plan that makes him ashamed and disgusted at himself, but does not believe it can be pulled off since he is afraid of everything. He struggles between his will to commit the crime and his loathing of himself for considering it. He meets a retired government clerk, Marmeladov, at a bar who volunteers his life story. He is an alcoholic who appears to have a contradictory personality, which is demonstrated by the fact that he realizes that his family problems are largely his fault yet denies responsibility for his actions. This man eventually disgusts Raskolikov after meeting his family and realizing that they are terrible people for allowing their daughter to prostitute herself in order to assist the family’s financial state. Raskolikov shows positive character traits by selflessly giving money to this family in order to aid them when he can barely support himself, although he regrets doing so later realizing that the money will probably be wasted. His protectiveness over his family is shown when he is furious with his sister’s decision to marry a richer man in order to help him out with his financial needs, which suggests a future conflict between him and the fiancée.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

First Impression: Part 1 Ch. 1-3

I liked the first part of this book. I thought that it is well written and I liked the way that Dostoyevsky started off without naming the young man at the beginning because it made the reader focus on the details about him, and you begin to understand his character more. I also found Marmeladov's life story really intriguing. The way he told his story, how he tried to do good things - marrying Katherine Ivanova because she needed help, getting a government job to provide income for his family, but that he wasn't really a good man - he got drunk all the time and let his daughter become a prostitute. He seemed really conflicted. He knew what the right thing was to do, and he wanted to do it, but he didn't. Also, I am curious to see how Raskolnikov reacts to his mothers letter. He was already feeling quite depressed, and now, finding out what has happened to his sister, her humility and her new fiance, and that his mother and sister were lying to him, I don't know how he will take it. I left the book, at him being very upset, walking briskly somewhere with a purpose. I feel that he will react very rashly but I am not sure what course of action he will take. I get the feeling that he won't get along well with his sisters fiance, something about the description of him makes me feel like their characters won't clash well. I am intrigued to find out what happens next.

- Madie Benn