-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

Gabe's reaction to Alex's response part 3 ch 4-6

I believe that both Madie and Alex brought up some very interesting points regarding these next few chapters. I think Alex was completely correct by saying that the central conflict was Raskolnikov's inner sense of guilt and intense anxiety over getting caught. I disagree with her statement saying that Raskolnikov is becoming more careless. I think that there is just more and more evidence that is progressively showing up throughout the story that it is only a matter of time before he gets caught. I do not think there is much left that Raskolnikov can do to protect himself from being exposed as the murderer he is. Alex feels shocked that Raskolnikov published his article, "On Crime," in the newspaper, and I can relate to her. I find it ridiculous that even someone as mentally unstable as Raskolnikov could be ignorant enough to publish an article like that right as he is plotting a murder. If his strange reactions to every day conversation topics and uneasiness in general did not give it away to the others, then this book most certainly instigated and almost seals any doubt, at least for some characters who are not naiive enough to fall for his lies. Alex and I both are intrigued by Porfiry's reaction towards Raskolnikov and his article. He appears to be the first character who truly suspects Raskolnikov to be the murderer, and both Raskolnikov and Razumikhin sense it.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabe's reaction to Part 3 ch 4-6

These next three chapters are a lot more eventful and exciting than the previous three. People are finally beginning to suspect Raskolnikov of his murders, and judging by his past actions he will not be able to disguise himself for much longer. Raskolnikov attempts to hide his insecurities through ridiculous and obnoxious outbursts of laughter that are clearly insincere. After building up more stress from reliving the terrible act in his head, he once again contemplates on whether or not it was time to confess, but quickly regains his composure. Raskolnikov shows his uneasiness again when having to face Porfiry Petrovich. He is clearly paranoid as he immediately suspects that Porfiry is beginning to believe that he is a suspect. The dream that Raskolnikov has later that night is important and symbolic. The fact that he relives the crime in his dream shows that it is still consuming his subconscious, but I believe that Alyona's laughter resembles her revenge, and that she will in fact "get the last laugh." I also believe that Raskolnikov's article "The Crime" is important as it provides us with the evidence that we need to comfortable assume that Raskolnikov believes that he is above others -- that he is "superman," which therefore gives him the right to murder whoever he wants. I find this ironic because Superman is known to use his superhuman powers for good, while Raskolnikov, even if he did have superhuman powers, uses them for evil. I am excited to see how Raskolnikov will attempt to remove himself from this situation or if he will crack under the pressure and turn himself in.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Madie's Reaction to Alex

I think that Alex and I are in accordance regarding our opinions on these last few chapters. Raskolnikov is becoming more careless in trying to hide his guilt, and he is not doing a very good job anymore. We both agree that "On Crime" was a key point in this chapter. It not only shows Raskolnikov's justification for his crimes, but, as Alex pointed out, allows others to begin to point fingers more easily at him. He opened up an opportunity for suspicions to be confirmed. The article shows that he feels people have the right to murder others, therefore why could he not be the murderer if he believes this. I think that this article will hurt him a lot. I thought that Alex's comment that Porfiry Petrovich "saw it as a piece of psychological evidence that pointed to Raskolnikov’s guilt." was interesting. Porfiry was certainly curious about the article, and seemed more suspicious of Raskolnikov after discussing it. I can see how the article could be used as psychological evidence against Raskolnikov, he had the mens rea (guilty mind) behind the crime as well. I am intrigued to see how the novel continues.


- Madie

Alex's Response to Madie

Madie and I share a similar opinion in regard to Raskolnikov’s behavior in Part III, Chapters 4-6. In accordance to Madie’s statement that she begins to see “the cracks in his armor getting bigger” throughout these chapters, I too believe that Raskolnikov’s unavoidable sense of guilt causes him to drop hints and reveal things that should be kept secret if he were to remain free from being caught. We both acknowledge that other characters are starting to notice Raskolnikov’s intense anxiety and mood-swings every time the murders are mentioned. After reading Madie’s reaction, I agree with her idea that Raskolnikov is practically at his breaking point. In my opinion, Raskolnikov gets closer and closer to confession with each and every chapter. In addition, Madie and I both agree that Raskolnikov probably identifies himself as one of the extraordinary, superior people that he discusses in his article “On Crime.” While I completely disagree with Raskolnikov’s reasoning, the article definitely gave me insight on Raskolnikov’s justification for committing the murders. Like Madie said, Raskolnikov believed he had the right to take the lives of two innocent people, an idea that I find sickening. Moreover, I also believe that Raskolnikov’s nightmare at the end of Chapter 6 is symbolic for his belief that he may not be superior to others. Thus, indicating his notion that committing the murders was wrong on his part. When Raskolnikov awakens from his troubled sleep, he recognizes the figure of a strange man in his room, and I am excited to see what this stranger has in store for Raskolnikov. 

Alex

Alex's reaction to Part 3, Ch. 4-6

Chapters 4-6 of Part III are both interesting and suspenseful. In these chapters of Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky continues to elaborate on Raskolnikov’s inner conflicts and how they impact his character. The central conflict in the novel deals with Raskolnikov’s unavoidable sense of guilt and intense anxiety over getting caught. As the novel progresses, Raskolnikov continues to become more careless when it comes to protecting himself from being identified as the murderer. It becomes increasingly evident to the reader that other characters are starting to suspect that Raskolnikov was somehow involved with the murders of the Ivanova sisters. What I found most interesting in these chapters was Raskolnikov’s article “On Crime.” This article, which was published in a magazine, details Raskolnikov’s thoughts on murder. “On Crime” argues Raskolnikov’s opinion that some extraordinary people are better than the others, and this superiority gives them the right to commit murder in addition other crimes. As I read about this article, my mouth dropped. I was in complete shock that even someone as mentally deranged as Raskolnikov could be stupid enough to publish something like this, especially if he is trying to hide the fact that he is the real murderer. “On Crime” definitely draws attention to Raskolnikov’s involvement with the crimes. The article displays the immoral and corrupt side of Raskolnikov’s personality, making it easy for others to point fingers when hypothesizing whom the true killer is. I was especially interested in Porfiry Petrovich’s reaction to the article because he saw it as a piece of psychological evidence that pointed to Raskolnikov’s guilt. I expect Raskolnikov will commit more idiotic actions making his guilt more apparent, and I look forward to finding out what they are.

Alex

Madie's Reaction P.3 Ch. 4-6

These last three chapters were very enthralling. Once again we are faced with Raskolnikov's struggle against his own conscious, and throughout these chapters I began to see the cracks in his armor get bigger. Now, everyone is beginning to notice Raskolnikovs apparent anxiety when the murder is mentioned. Raskolnikov is struggling with the pressure of suspicion and the desire to confess. I think that he will eventually have to have a mental breakdown, because he is almost at a breaking point. This is shown through his sporadic emotions and lack of control over them - laughing strangely as he enters Porfiry's house, and his strange dream at the end of chapter six. However, for the first time really I got a sense of Raskolnikov's reasoning and justification for the murder through his article "On Crime." It was not only that he despised Alyona Ivanova, but that he believed he was better than her therefore he held the right to kill her. I think that Raskolnikov might have believed this when he was planning and committing the murder, but I think he is beginning to see that is not true. I think that he is beginning to doubt that he was right in killing her. The nightmare I think was symbolic of that. Raskolnikov tries again and again to kill Alyona but she just laughs at him, as if he was not "extraordinary" enough to commit the crime as he believed he was. I am interested to see who the strange man is in his room and what he brings to the story.


- Madie