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.