Alex's reaction to Madie Part III

It is easy to conclude that Madie and I basically agree on everything in the first three chapters of Part III of Crime and Punishment. We were both unpleased with the fact that Dostoyevsky did not use these chapters to continue elaborating on the murder of the Ivanova sisters and Raskolnikov’s internal punishments that result. However, despite the idea that this digression in the story did not appeal to either Madie or myself, we both agree that this deviation in the story complements Dostoyevsky’s writing style because it heightens the suspense in an already intense story. This made me excited to keep reading because I am now looking forward to the coming events in the next few chapters of the novel. Moreover, Madie and I share the same opinion that Razumhikin’s love interest in Dunya will not please Raskolnikov. I thought Madie brought up an interesting point when she stated her belief that if Razumikhin pursues his infatuation with Dunya even further, it will add to the anxiety and pressure that Raskolnikov already has from the murder. Furthermore, Madie and I concur that Raskolnikov’s guilt is extremely noticeable. As his overwhelming sense of guilt intensifies, Raskolnikov becomes even worse at hiding his true feelings. From fainting at the moment the murders are mentioned to practically confessing to the detective, it is clear that Raskolnikov is becoming possessed by his guilt.

-Alex  

Madie's Response to Alex

I think Alex and I agree on pretty much all parts of these first three chapters. We both were expecting a more dramatic and suspenseful plot to come, but she makes a good point of outlining Dostoevsky's writing style. She noted that he kept the suspense by not mentioning the thing the reader wanted most. This definitely kept me wanting to read further, to find out what I wanted to read. This is something I did not notice before, but was clever on the part of Dostoevsky. Also, I agree with Alex that Dunya and  Razumikhin's relationship will play a role in the book as well as might cause some conflict to come. If it did not, it would just be a random attention grabber for the moment which I don't think Dostevsky would do. This relationship if definitely going to play a part in the future, however I am unsure of what that will be, or how Raskolnikov will react. I though Alex's statement at the end "I hope that someone will eventually discover the real reason for Raskolnikov’s suffering.." was good because I feel the same way. I sort of want someone to find out that he did the murder, and we are coming closer to that with Zossimov pointing out he thinks something is wrong with Raskolnikov. I'm not sure what is to come in the novel, but I am sure that it will be captivating. 

- Madie

Madie's Reaction to Part 3: Chapters 1-3

These three chapters were not exactly what I was hoping for. I was looking forward to Dostoevsky's intriguing plot of Raskolnikov and his guilt. Instead, he decided to hold the suspense just a bit more, and began to narrow in on Raskolnikov's sister and Razumhikin. Razumhikin seems to be infatuated with Dunya, drunkenly complimenting her, and telling her Luzhin is not worthy of her. The next day he tries to say that it was all because he was drunk, and that he does not feel this was, but it is clear that he has feelings for Dunya. I think that Razumhikin's love interest choice will not please Raskolnikov, and that if Razumhikin takes it further, that it will add to the anxiety and pressure Raskolnikov already has from the murder. However, Raskolnikov's present guilt is very noticeable, from the way he dismissively treats his sister and mother upon arrival, to his fainting at Dunya's comment is all evidence that his guilt is taking over him more. Further, it is becoming more and more noticeable by people around him. For example, Zossimov notes that he think Raskolnikov is becoming obsessive. His emotions are becoming noticed. I am interested to see what happens with Dunya and Razumhikin, and wether or not Raskolnikov can keep his composure. 

- Madie

Alex's reaction to Part III, Chapters 1-3

The first three chapters of Part III of Crime and Punishment were not exactly what I expected. I did not appreciate this portion of the novel nearly as much as Part I and Part II. These chapters focused mainly on Razumhikin’s attraction to Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya. This digression in the novel’s central plot, the murder of the Ivanova sisters and Raskolnikov’s internal punishments that result, did not appeal to me at all. Before I began reading Part III, I was excited to see how Raskolnikov would continue to suffer and how the story would continue to unfold. However, I felt that these chapters did not fulfill my curiosities the least bit. On the bright side, by failing to heavily discuss the murders, Dostoyevsky has maintained a high level of suspense. Therefore, I am still looking forward to reading the remaining chapters of Crime and Punishment. Based on my previous readings, I believe it is appropriate to conclude that as an author, Dostoyevsky never fails to bring something interesting to the table. Therefore, I do believe that Razumikhin’s infatuation with Dunya will eventually have a significant role in the overall context of the story. Moreover, Dostoyevsky caught my attention during a conversation between Raskolnikov and Dunya in chapter 3. In this discussion, Razumikhin was instructing his sister not to marry Luzhin. After exclaiming that her motives for marrying this man are despicable and “sordid,” Dunya responds that she is “guilty of no one’s death.” What really captured my attention here was how Raskolnikov reacted to this comment— he fainted. This demonstrates how Raskolnikov’s anxieties over getting caught for the murders continue to intensify. I find it quite interesting how those who spend time with Raskolnikov are not making the connection between him and the murders. Every time the crimes are mentioned, Raskolnikov responds by fainting or reacting in an extremely malicious manner. However, they perceive Raskolnikov’s guilt as the result of a serious illness. I hope that someone will eventually discover the real reason for Raskolnikov’s suffering.. 

-Alex

Gabe's reaction to part 3 chapters 1-3

The opening chapters to part 3 were slightly less eventful than I imagined them to be. After and exciting  conclusion to part 2, I felt as if these chapters served more as fillers than as an actual advancement of the plot, so I did not enjoy them as much. However, further insight to the characters' personalities was provided, which allowed me to understand each one of them better. For example, when Razumikhin proclaims his love to Dunya, I was very surprised. Throughout the story he has been known as the character with the best intentions due to his honesty and compassion for others. This action surprised me as, although he was intoxicated, it did not suit as something I would expect him to do. He also demonstrates jealousy when Dunya speaks with the doctor. This added suspense to the story because judging by the earlier chapters, I assume that this will eventually be an important addition to the plot and drama of the story. Dunya appears to be a daring and independent woman, especially when she decides to test her fiancé. Raskolnikov, on the other hand, further demonstrates his weakness and mental instability when he uncontrollably lashes out due to his guilt, then passes out at a simple comment that his sister makes about not having killed anyone, clearly meant to be just an expression. It surprises me that he has not been discovered after all his obvious declarations of guilt, but it is clear that the story is slowly unraveling and that he will be exposed when Zossimov states that his "illness" is most likely due to an obsession.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabe's response to reactions part 3 ch 1-3

I believe that both Alex and Madie bring up important points regarding these opening chapters of part 3. I can see and relate to Alex's reason for not appreciating this opening portion of part 3. It is true that the previous sections were more eventful and built up more suspense, and I did feel a little let down by the author's decision to not really progress with the main plot. However, I do see why he did so. It kept me intrigued me and made me want to find out what is going to happen with Raskolnikov's fate. These chapters were also most likely necessary to be included where they are in order to further unravel the plot of the story later on. I think Madie brought up an interesting prediction, which I believe is accurate. The infatuation that Razumhikin has for Raskolnikov's sister, Dunya, will most likely result in a conflict between them two. I think that Raskolnikov will be protective and not appreciate Razumhikin, one of his best friends, trying to be with her. This would most likely increase the anxiety and stress Raskolnikov is feeling, and ultimately play a role in his downfall. I also agree with both Madie and Alex that it is apparent and obvious that Raskolnikov will be unable to cope with his guilt as it has intensified exponentially throughout the story, where he is not only considered mentally ill by others, but his actions, such as the way he lashes out on others and faints whenever something reminds him of the crime, demonstrate that there must be something more than just an illness. It is interesting to see how the other characters are slowly picking up that there may be something else going on with him.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Dostoyevsky's Grave & Saint Petersburg

Over the summer, I had the incredible experience of visiting Russia with my family. While in St. Petersburg (the novel's setting), we toured the Tikhvin Cemetery where Fyodor Dostoyevsky is buried. Although I did acknowledge the fact that Dostoyevsky had one of the largest tombstones in the cemetery, at the time of my visit, I was not aware of how influential and renown Dostoyevsky is. I wish I had read Crime and Punishment before going to the Tikhvin Cemetery because I would have been much more attentive and responsive to what I was seeing.  



In order to get a better idea of the where the story is taking place, here are some additional pictures that I took during my trip to St. Petersburg:

-Alex

Dostoevsky Quote

"Much unhappiness has come into the world because of things left unsaid"  -Fyodor Dostoevsky 

This quote immediately caught my eye because of how strongly it reminded me of Raskolnikov, the novel's protagonist. Throughout the story, we see that the downfall of Raskolnikov's character results from his overwhelming feelings of regret and unhappiness that are caused by his guilt over the murders. If Raskolnikov would just confess for what he has done, his unhappiness would diminish because he will have finally received the punishment he knows he deserves and needs to settle his conscience.


- Alex

Crime and Punishment Video Blog #2

Madie's Response to Alex and Gabe

I think that we all are having the same ideas about this chapter. Obviously Raskolnikov is trying to suppress his guilt about the murder. I agree with Gabe that the contradiction with Marmeladov and his wife Katerina Ivanova is interesting. Even though he I dying, she is still very upset, weeping and crying over him. However she also yells at him and tells him he is useless. I liked Gabes idea that Marmeladov had some good character flaws before he became a drunkard. I never thought about that. Maybe this could be true of Raskolnikov as well..? Maybe he had some good character traits to start, but in the end will cause his own fate. I also agree with Alex that Raskolnikov will not be able to stay like this for long. He will not be able to mend his guilt enough to be functional. Sooner or later, no matter what he tries to do, the guilt of the murder will never leave him. That is going to be his punishment. I think that the story will bring interesting turns in regards to him attempting to fix his guilt, because he does believe he can rid himself of it. However this will not work, his punishment is the guilt.




- Madie

Raskolnikov

I love this picture of Raskolnikov because it does a great job of accentuating his mental instability and deranged thoughts. The subtle faces that the artist creates around Raskolnikov's face remind me of his guilt and how he feels as if everyone is watching him and suspects him for murdering the Ivanova sisters.

- Alex

Gabe's response to Alex and Madie's reaction part 2 chapter 7

I believe that both Madie and Alex brought up valid points, and we all seem to mostly be in agreement with each other on the events that occurred in this chapter. I think that Madie brought up an interesting point by stating how Katerina is only so depressed at Marmeladov's death because she is used to having him around, since even during his last moments she keeps criticizing him. It is true that Marmeladov brings barely any income to his family as he wastes it all on alcohol, which is why i agree that Katerina is just so used to the lifestyle and doesn't want to lose him. I also agree that Marmeladov assists them emotionally and financially in order to redeem his sins. However, he did help this family out before he had anything to feel guilty about which shows that he is, in fact, a compassionate character. This is all very contradictory because he demonstrates several characteristics that a good-natured, caring man would have, but his mistake in committing the murders over powers all of his good deeds, and he knows it. I agree that he will continue to attempt to clear his conscience with good deeds, but in the end nothing will be able to make up for his crime. I agree with Alex when she stated how she believes that no matter what he does, he will be unable to feel completely guilt free and will eventually pay for his actions even after he confesses.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabe's reaction to part 2 chapter 7

I found the concluding chapter of part two to be very exciting and an appropriate way to finish this part of the book. Marmeladov is a character that was introduced earlier in the novel that the author made seem as if he was of no importance later on in the novel. However, he was coincidentally reintroduced when Raskolnikov sees him lying drunken and injured on the floor after being run over by a carriage. I found this to be somewhat predictable as it was suggested in their earlier encounter that Marmeladov's life would end in a drunken state, while not being of much use to his family. Raskolnikov takes this opportunity to make a good deed by assisting Marmeladov and taking him to his home. It is evident that this family has not changed at all. His wife, Katerina, still puts Marmeladov down and insults him even when the doctor announces that he is dying. Despite this, the family still takes care of him and shows affection, emphasizing the dramatic and contradicting lifestyle they live in. They are clearly a weak and broken down family, which makes them easy targets for Raskolnikov to help out in order to redeem himself. After assisting this family emotionally, he leaves them some money, which he regretted doing last time they met. However, he feels the need to do this in order to relieve some of his guilt. I feel that although he may seem like a compassionate person, he is really doing this out of selfishness in order to feel redeemed for his murders. I am curious to see how long this temporary happiness continues for and how he will turn out in the following chapters. 

-Gabriel

Alex's response to Madie

Madie and I share a similar opinion in regard to Raskolnikov’s behavior in Part II, Chapter 7. We both doubt the nobility and compassion behind Raskolnikov’s selfless acts when he helps the Marmeladov family by giving them money and promising to help them in the future. In this scene, Madie and I similarly believe that rather than acting out of his sympathy for the family, Raskolnikov’s generosity serves as the result of his attempt to salvage some of his conscience. In accordance to Madie’s statement that Raskolnikov tries to mend his guilt by “patching it up again with selfless tasks,” I too believe that Raskolnikov considers his newfound altruism as a method of compensating for the murders. Thus, lessening his overbearing sense of guilt. Madie and I have corresponding thoughts that Raskolnikov will never be able to fully rid himself of guilt and regret. Due to his mentally unstable nature, I do not think Raskolnikov will ever be able to find a mental balance and come to grips with his emotions. I believe that Raskolnikov’s psychological downfall will continue throughout the remainder of Crime and Punishment and his mental suffering serves as the central conflict in the novel. In my opinion, Dostoyevsky crafted Raskolnikov’s delirious personality this way for a reason. I think he was trying to illustrate the underlying theme in the novel that a crime’s true punishment occurs within the mind of the criminal. As Crime and Punishment progresses, I suspect that Raskolnikov’s mental capacity for guilt and remorse will continue to diminish, and his suffering will ultimately drive his character to complete destruction.

Alex Balogh

Madie's Reaction to part 2 chapter 7.

In this chapter, Raskolnikov finds Marmeladov in a bad situation. In a drunken state, he has been run over by a carriage and is slowly dying. Raskolnikov takes Marmeladov home to his wife where, in my opinion, something interesting occurs. Here Katerina Ivanova begins to care for him, crying and weeping for him, all the while continuing to call him worthless. I thought this was slightly odd that she would feel so upset at his leaving, since she still thinks him to be worthless and good-for-nothing. I think that she has lived so long on his meager support that although it was never enough, she is terrified at the thought of surviving without him. It is also in this scene where Raskolnikov tries to salvage some of his conscience, by providing the family with money and pledging that he will help them. He doesn't say that because he wants really and truly to help the family. Moreover, he does it to mend his own guilt by patching it up again with "selfless" tasks. I do not believe that Raskolnikov will ever be able to fully escape the guilt he feels from the murder. At the moment, he thinks that he is almost free of it, a few more good things and all will be well. However I do not think that this will be the case, I am almost sure he will fall back into the guilt at some point, or he will confess. I am intrigued to know what his fate will be, and what he will do next.




- Madie

Alex's Reaction to Ch. 7, Part 2

Dostoyevsky continues to elaborate on Raskolnikov’s inner conflicts and how they impact his character in Chapter 7, Part II of Crime and Punishment. In this chapter, Raskolnikov finds Marmeladov in quite a fatal condition due to an accident that occurred while Marmeladov was drunk. Raskolnikov assists the nearly dead, intoxicated man back to his nearby home and family so that he can die in peace. In addition to leaving a portion of his remaining money for the family, Raskolnikov vows to provide them with his support in the future. In my opinion, Raskolnikov still feels an overwhelming sense of guilt on behalf of the murders. Rather than believing that Raskolnikov helps Marmeladov’s family because he is a good-natured man with a genuine sense for humanity, I think Raskolnikov’s “compassionate” behavior stems from his belief that helping others will lessen his feelings of guilt because he feels that he is atoning for the murders. This is evident in the context of the novel, given that Raskolnikov leaves the Marmeladov home in good spirits, which illustrates the idea that Raskolnikov feels like he has somewhat redeemed himself. However, I think that Raskolnikov’s feelings of redemption are only temporary. Due to the severity of his crimes, I find it hard to believe that Raskolnikov can feel at peace for an extended period of time. I think Raskolnikov will soon realize that his feelings of guilt are unavoidable and he cannot repent for his crimes, nor will his guilty conscience feel at ease once again. Although I do suspect that Raskolnikov will eventually confess for the murders, I do not think that this confession will completely extinguish Raskolnikov’s regret because even though he will have confessed, the Ivanova sisters will still be dead and the murder’s cannot be undone.

Alex