Madie's Response to Gabe P.5 Ch.1

Gabe brings up some opinions with which I agree about the chapter. First, this chapter does switch focus to narrow on Luzhin, and we both agree on his shallow personality and nature. I agree with his opinion that his materialistic nature is clearly shown through his belief that the reason Dunia broke off the engagement was solely about money. Further, Gabe brings up a good point about Luzhin's plan to frame Sonya which further shows the corruption in his character. Further, the new character, Luzhin's roommate Lebezyatnikov, seems somewhat unnecessary at the moment. Like Gabe said, there doesn't really seem to be a big role for him so far. However, he will probably play some role in book otherwise he wouldn't have been brought in so late into the book. Due to his selfish and arrogant nature he will probably play a role in Luzhin's fate. This chapter did not have much to do with Raskolnikov, and I agree with Gabe, that I prefer the chapters about Raskolnikov. They seem to be more interesting and entertaining to read. I am not as intrigued with Luzhin as I am with Raskolnikov's fate. 


- Madie

Madie's Reaction P.5 Ch.1

In this chapter Luzhin's shallow personality truly shows. It focuses mostly on his inner thoughts on why his engagement with Dunia didn't work out, and these reasons all point to material things. He even believes that if he had given her and her mother more presents that his engagement might have been saved. However, he is still very arrogant. At the beginning of the chapter he mentions how he thinks he could have had a better wife. However he is upset that his engagement was ruined, he is upset for vain reasons. His intense hatred for Raskolnikov is also quite apparent in this chapter. He mentions that if he could have killed Raskolnikov with a sole wish he would have. Also what I found interesting was that at the end of the chapter, Luzhin decides to give 10 rubles to Sonya. This may represent his character gaining morality and doing something good, suggesting a change in his character. However, I don't think so. His character seems too self absorbed and selfish to be able to change so quickly. He blames his engagement failure of on the most vain of things; money and gifts. However, his deep hatred for Raskolnikov may work against Raskolnikov. While Profiry is also after him, they may work together to try and target Raskolnikov. It will be interesting to see where Luzhin goes from here.


- Madie

Madie's Response to Gabe & Alex P.4 Ch.6

I agree with both Gabe and Alex about their interpretations of the chapter. We all seem to feel that this chapter provided a new twist to the story brought with Nikolai's confession, which came quite suddenly and out of the blue. I thought it was interesting that Alex thought Nikolai might have been involved in some sort of plan to help free Raskolnikov. While this could be a possibility I don't think that Nikolai would have confessed to such a crime just to help Raskolnikov get off the hook. Also, Alex brought up an idea that Raskolnikov might try to run now that the suspect confessed. I am not sure if he would do this or not. If they believe Nikolai and he is punished for it then Raskolnikov may not have to leave because he would be in the clear. However, what I think may happen is that the confession won't be accepted. The facts behind his confession are false and Porfiry may know that and dig up the evidence refuting it. If this happens Raskolnikov would have a better chance running away from it. However, like Gabe said, Raskolnikov may not run at all, he may confess. This is an idea that has been played with throughout the whole book and may well be the case. Raskolnikov has come so close to confessing so many times that he may ultimately end up confessing. This new twist has made the book more unpredictable and I can't wait to see how Raskolnikov handles this from here.


- Madie

Madie's Reaction P.4 Ch.6

In this chapter I was very surprised to see Nikolai confess to Porifry while he was interrogating Raskolnikov. Nikolai seems to burst into the office suddenly and make a statement which to Porifry sounds rehearsed and not true. Porfiry obviously suspects Raskolnikov and had him in a position where Raskolnikov was even about to confess. Near the end of the chapter Raskolnikov admits to himself he was close to confessing before Nikolai ran in. Porfiry knew as well he almost had Raskolnikov because instead of accepting Nikolai's statement and confession, he disregards it as false and not his own words at all. Also, while Raskolnikov is leaving he makes a point of telling him that they will see a lot of each other if God disposes. He repeats this many times as if almost trying to convince himself. However I was kind of intrigued by Nikolai's confession because he had no reason to do it. He was not the murderer and was innocent. Why he decided to confess to the murder seems almost too perfect for Raskolnikov. It is interesting though that Raskolnikov seems to be given another chance. He even says that he feels free of it for once which I found interesting. Since Nikolai made a confession the pressure of it seemed to be transferred to him.


- Madie

Alex's reaction to Part 4, Chapter 6

I found this chapter to be intriguing as it provided a twist to the story. During Porfiry's interrogation of Raskolnikov, Raskolnikov showed clear signs of guilt. These signs consisted of his defensive attitude and the fact that he appeared uneasy throughout the entire interrogation. His guilt eventually became so large that he had almost given up and confessed to being the murderer. But ironically, Nikolai, who was falsely accused of being the murderer, decided to come out and confess right when Raskolnikov was ready to confess. This was a conveniently perfect timing because if Raskolnikov was to be interrogated any longer, he admits that he would have confessed. I found this to be strange because the timing was too perfect, but even more strange because Nikolai had no reason to confess. It was as if Nikolai was involved in some sort of a plan to cover up for Raskolnikov. Porfiry was also confused because he was so certain that he was about to get the truth out of Raskolnikov. Either way, it is as if Raskolnikov is constantly being provided with another chance whenever he is about to give in, and this adds to the complexity and suspense in the story. This is because we still do not know whether or not Raskolnikov will decide to run away or end up being caught or confessing. He constantly has an internal battle between his guilty conscience and his feeling of invincibility, which is shown when he criticizes himself for almost giving in.

-Alex

Gabe's response to Alex and Madie's reaction to Part 4 ch 5

I agree with Alex on the fact that the murder investigation is actually progressing and it is becoming more and more obvious that Raskolnikov is the murderer. Raskolnikov and Porfiry's conversation is a significant event in the story because it shows Raskolnikov losing his cool and becoming wildly impatient and overwhelmed with guilt. Although Alex thinks that Raskolnikov wants to be caught because of his guilt, I think his reaction is more of a result of the internal conflict inside of him. This internal conflict is one between his guilt and wanting to confess and wanting to be safe and not be punished or take responsibility for his actions. I am not entirely sure that Raskolnikov will end up confessing, so I have to disagree with Alex. At this point I am starting to feel as if he will be caught and convicted before he decides to confess because of his weak personality and the fact that he already dug himself a really deep hole. Madie also states that she believes Raskolnikov is eventually going to confess, which I have to disagree with. I like how she states that Porfiry is "egging him on" in an effort to extract a confession to the murders. I don't think that Raskolnikov's reaction is necessarily considered evidence, but I do think that it will allow more people to start accusing him and it does make him look more guilty. I agree that Svidrigailov and Porfiry will have some form of alliance in attempting to bring down Raskolnikov because they both have the most reason to suspect him of being the murderer.I am excited to see how everyone's new suspicions will play out against him.

-Gabriel

Am I a suspect?

This video is from the BBC adaption of Crime and Punishment. It remains faithful to Dostoyevsky's classic novel and is a perfect reenactment of the scene in the police station (Part IV, Ch. 5).

Alex's Response to Madie and Gabe

I agree with both of my partners’ opinions on Chapter 5 of Part IV. Both Madie and Gabe made several valid points in discussing this chapter. All three of us share similar thoughts in regard to the scene in the police station. Due to several of Porfiry Petrovich’s blunt comments, it is rather obvious that Porfiry suspects that Raskolnikov committed the murders. Like Madie said, the tactic that Porfiry uses on Raskolnikov is both clever and successful. Not only do all of the hints Porfiry drops point directly at Raskolnikov, but they cause Raskolnikov to become extremely enraged. I agree with Madie and Gabe that Raskolnikov’s reaction was poorly thought out, especially because that was exactly the type of reaction Porfiry was looking for. The fact that Raskolnikov could not maintain his composure only gave Porfiry one more reason to point fingers at Raskolnikov. Moreover, I was intrigued when Raskolnikov told Porfiry that he felt he was not being treated fairly and wanted Porfiry to be straightforward with him, rather than playing mind games. I found this scene interesting because Raskolnikov suddenly wants to be treated like a normal person and says that if he is going to be considered a suspect, he wants to be properly examined, just like any other ordinary man would be. This immediately caught my attention because it completely contradicts the theme of Raskolnikov’s perceived superiority. Previously, Raskolnikov felt he had the right to commit the murder because he feels he is an “extraordinary” human being and therefore, has the right to disobey the law. However, now that he is actually a suspect, Raskolnikov wants to be treated like all other “ordinary” people.

Alex's Reaction

Chapter 5, Part 4 of Crime and Punishment was both thrilling and suspenseful. I mostly enjoyed reading about Raskolnikov’s conversation with Porfiry at the police station. This scene is especially intriguing because it shows that the murder investigation is finally progressing and who the primary suspects are. It is also obvious that Porfiry grows rather suspicious of Raskolnikov and I liked how Porfiry dropped several hints about Raskolnikov being the murderer. What I found to be most intriguing in this chapter was how Raskolnikov reacted to Porfiry’s accusations because he did not maintain the composure of someone who is trying to hide something. In addition, Raskolnikov’s livid behavior basically confirms all of Porfiry’s suspicions that Raskolnikov is linked to the murders/is the murderer. The fact that Raskolnikov had such a chaotic reaction makes me believe that he almost wants to be caught because he cannot deal with his overwhelming sense of regret or his guilty conscience any longer. This chapter was not only suspenseful, but also foreshadowed to Raskolnikov’s confession because although he did not actually confess to the murders, he edged so close to admitting his sins that I would not be surprised if he confessed within the next few pages. Nonetheless, I am extremelly intrigued with the story and excited to see whether he will confess or be arrested.

Madie's Response to Gabe

I agree with what Gabe is saying about this chapter. There are now more people, like Svidrigailov, who have seen and heard evidence that go against Raskolnikov's innocence. We both agree about Porfiry's outright and clear motives, to uncover Raskolnikov's guilt by, as Gabe said, "dropping subtle hints" that obviously led to Raskolnikov. This tactic that Profiry uses is quite clever and ultimately, successful. He gets the reaction he wants, an outburst in irritation, and more importantly, Raskolnikov accuses Porfiry of accusing him of the murder. I agree with Gabe that Raskolnikov's reaction was not well thought through, as it provides another thing against him. However, furthermore like Gabe said, these actions and this carelessness is not unusual for Raskolnikov's character as it his been shown throughout the book. Gabe and I share the same prediction for the conclusion of the book, that Raskolnikov will be found guilty in the end wether it be through trial or confession.


Madie

Madie's Reaction Part 4 Chapter 5

Here Raskolnikov comes even closer to admitting to the murder. At the beginning of the chapter, Raskolnikov meets with Porfiry at the police office to claim his pawned goods, however it doesn't go very well. The whole time, Porfiry tells Raskolnikov how he knows many things about the murderer all of which point to Raskolnikov. Porifiry seems to almost egg him on to see if he can get a reaction to confirm his suspicions. In this case, Porfiry is successful. Raskolnikov becomes enraged, saying that Porfiry should either accuse him or let it go. This is exactly what Profiry was looking for to confirm that Raskolnikov is indeed the murderer. Raskolnikov became incredibly close to confessing to the murder and he is showing all signs of guilt throughout their conversation. Although he is silent during the beginning, his iritation and his outburst are strong pieces of evidence that Porfiry can use. Raskolnikov is venturing closer and closer to a confession or an accusation. I believe that Porfiry will later convict Raskolnikov and he will have witnesses he could call (like Svidrigailiov) who have heard convincing evidence proving him guilty. There is too much evidence that goes against Raskolnikov's innocence, and too many people who could attest to it to let him stay unconvicted or unaccused.



Madie

Gabe's reaction to Part 4 ch. 5

This chapter is exciting because the story is finally at a definite turning point. No longer is everyone clueless about who committed the murder. After Svidrigailov overhears Raskolnikov's conversation with Sonya, Raskolnikov stops by the police station to claim his pawned possessions. Porfiry appears to be suspicious during this conversation - as if he already knew that Raskolnikov was the murderer. I find it clever how he drops subtle hints that he knows that Raskolnikov is the murder. He does this by pointing out several characteristics that they already know about the murderer, all which resemble Raskolnikov. For the first time in this book, Raskolnikov lashes out and accuses Porfiry of accusing him of the murders. During the heated discussion, Porfiry attempts to calm down Raskolnikov, but it is pretty obvious at this point that this action has confirmed Porfiry's suspicion. Raskolnikov's behavior was careless, but this was already foreshadowed as he has become increasingly careless throughout the story. It was only a matter of time until he gave himself away. Although he didn't literally confess, his wild attitude after being accused is pretty much a confession as it shows how much guilt is built inside of him. At this point in the story it is hard to tell whether Raskolnikov will be accused and found guilty or if he will end up confessing and not putting up a fight, but either way I am sure that Raskolnikov will in fact be convicted for his murders.

-Gabriel Magalhaes