After thinking back to all the vents that have occurred in the story, I feel like the major theme that was discussed in the story was the psychological punishment that Raskolnikov had to face. This is most likely going to be the theme I use for my research paper because the author mainly focusses on the psychological punishment rather than the actual punishment. It was evident from the first page that Raskolnikov was a little off compared to the rest of society. As a result, he committed two murders based on his theory that he is superman and everyone else is inferior to him. He wanted to make himself feel powerful and above mankind, and as a result he is tortured by an exponentially worsening guilt that he faces every moment of every day. This guilt drives him to further alienate himself from society and also drives him to do and say things that a rational person would not do or say. He becomes so overwhelmed with guilt that he becomes critically ill on multiple occasions. He faces extreme paranoia daily and his constantly anxious and worried. He over thinks everything he does and says, which creates suspicion in multiple characters later on. At times he may even attempt to commit good deeds, possibly to ease his guilt, such as when he helps the Marmeladovs. What do you guys think? I am going to try to find more details but this is just an initial idea. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabe, I think that this is such a prominent part of the book, that it will be a good topic. There are many examples of how this occurs, and it is the central conflict in the book. He has so much self conflict, and really he inflicts his own punishment. Especially at the beginning, people aren't suspecting him but he becomes physically ill from his own guilt. He ultimately is the one that punishes himself. I think that this idea can go in so many different ways, but what you described above, would be a good paper. You would have to make sure not to generalize too much and focus in on key events or moments that define his punishment. But I think that since it is such a key conflict in the book that it would make a good term paper.
ReplyDelete- Madie
Gabe- I think this is a great idea for your term paper! I really like how you highlight the effects of Raskolnikov's guilt, especially how his guilt leads him to alienate himself from society. I think it would be a great idea for you to stress this subject in your paper, seeing as it is definitely a prevalent theme in the novel. I also think you should mention how in the beginning of the novel, Raskolnikov alienates himself because he believes that he is superior to others. However, in the end of the novel, Raskolnikov's alienation from society is the direct result of his intense guilt and paranoia over the murders. Like Madie said, this idea can go in so many different directions and I am excited to see your personal portrayal of this central conflict.
ReplyDelete-Alex