Madie's Response to Alex & Gabe's Reactions.

I agree with both Gabe and Alex's reactions. We all are basically retrieving the same thoughts from the book. I think Gabe brought up a good point that I forgot about. The painter who was next door to Alyona Ivanova's apartment just after the murder was found with her earrings. I agree with Gabe that this could definitely be a key point. If the painter is convicted and found guilty, Raskonlikov will be off the hook, but I don't think his conscious will be. I think that no matter what happens, even if he is not found guilty in court, he will never be the same after this murder. His guilt will be too much for him. I also agree with Alex's point that Raskonlikov is clearly losing it. He becomes despondent towards much else but the murder, let alone he almost confesses to a police officer he has information regarding the murder. He is definitely not of sound mind, and it is decreasing rapidly. I think he will try to cover it up somehow but he is verging closer and closer towards a confession, either by mistake or not.

-Madie

Gabe's response to Alex and Madie's part 2 ch 4-6

I believe that both Madie and Alex brought up interesting and valid points of view towards the events that occurred in these three chapters. Madie states how she felt that Raskolnikov was uncomfortable with the whole discussion of the murders with his friends. She also brings up how he was overwhelmed with guilt, which is why he almost confesses to the cop about the murders. However, he realizes that he needs to do what he has to do to stay free and covers it up once the cop begins to get suspicious. I agree with Madie when she says that Raskolnikov is unable to escape the guilt that arose from the murders and is becoming increasingly paranoid, which is shown by his distress when talking to the painters. Initially, Madie thought that the murders would be free of legal consequences but would only consume him psychologically. However, as the details and events of the story progressed, she changed her mind and agreed with us that he will in fact be punished legally for his crime. It is still early in the story and he has come very close to confessing and turning himself in. I agree with Alex that it was an interesting plot twist to have an innocent suspect being blamed for Raskolnikov's murders. This will contribute to his downfall, especially if the painter is found guilty. It is evident from Raskolnikov's friend's reactions that the story is beginning to unfold, and the other characters are becoming curious and suspicious at his defensive and irritable tone when the murders are discussed.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel's reaction part 2 chapter's 4-6

I found the next three chapters of this book to be enjoyable. Razumikhin throws a party that several of his friends go to and discuss the murder of Alyona and her sister. Suspense was added to the story when a painter who happened to be in possession of Alyona's earrings became a suspect.  I think it is going to be interesting to see how his name will be cleared. Razumikhin's compassionate personality is shown by his determination to clear the painter's name, certain that it could not have been him. If the painter is blamed, it will clear Raskolnikov's name, but also add one more death caused by him. This can only further punish Raskolnikov and cause his downfall. A new character called Luzhin has been introduced and is disliked by both Raskolnikov and Razumikhin. Including Luzhin in this chapter seems somewhat unnecessary as he does not present a definite purpose to the advancement of the story. That being said, I believe that some point later on he will pose some relevance to the story. Raskolnikov becomes defensive when Luzhin attempts to provide input into the discussion of the murders. I think that this is not only because of Luzhin's arrogant attitude, but also because Raskolnikov's guilt is increasingly building up and needs to project his hatred for himself onto others. Raskolnikov's overwhelming guilt is further presented when he nearly confesses to a cop that he committed the murders. He is clearly conflicted between wanting to come clean, but also wanting to not be punished.

-Gabriel Magalhaes

Quote

"…but to act sensibly, intelligence is not enough." -Fyodor Dostoevsky

Alex Balogh

Alex's Response to Madie's Reaction

Madie and I have similar thoughts concerning Raskolnikov. We both agree that it is quite evident that discussing the murders causes Raskolnikov much discomfort and anxiety. Moreover, Madie and I also agree that the murders of Alyona and Lizaveta Ivanova have clearly resulted in both feelings of dismay and overwhelming guilt for Raskolnikov. I like how Madie pointed out that although he covered it up deceptively, Raskolnikov most likely told the police about the murders because he is unable to let go of what he has done. As a result, he cannot escape the stressful and guilty feelings weighing on his conscience. Lastly, Madie and I both get the idea that someone will eventually find out who committed the murders. Not only are several characters growing more suspicious of Raskolnikov, but he is also getting sloppy in his attempts to hide his gruesome actions. I feel like Raskolnikov’s subconscious wants someone to find out that he is the real killer of the Ivanova sisters and therefore, Raskolnikov is unknowingly becoming more careless. I can easily say that I am completely fascinated with Raskolnikov’s character. My interest in the plot intensifies with each chapter, as I continue reading about this deranged and troubled character. On multiple occasions, I have found myself hypothesizing what the outcome of the narrative will be. Will he confess? Will he die due to his overwhelming amount of guilt? The vast amount of suspense that Dostoyevsky has imposed in his literature propels me to keep reading and I am looking forward to seeing how the story will unravel. 

-Alex

Alex's Reaction

            In Part II, chapter 4 of Crime and Punishment, we learn that Razumikhin has been trying to clear the name of a painter who been charged for the murders of Alyona and Lizaveta Ivanova. Coincidentally, the man was working in an empty apartment next to the pawnbrokers and was in possession of jewelry that had been pawned to the old woman. I thought that the idea of blaming someone else for Raskolnikov’s actions added an interesting twist to the story’s plot for a couple of reasons. First, Raskolnikov is a dishonest man who does not take responsibility for his actions without having a justified excuse. I think that punishing someone else for his heinous crimes will make Raskolnikov believe that he can get away with more wrongdoings. However, I also think that holding someone else responsible for the murders will greatly increase Raskolnikov’s sense of guilt, further leading to the collapse of his character. On another note, I feel like the story is really starting to unfold and I like where it is headed. I think that some of the other characters are starting to suspect a connection between Raskolnikov and the murders. Razumikhin seems to be growing especially suspicious of Raskolnikov, stating, “he takes no interest in anything, he does not respond to anything except one point on which he seems excited--that's the murder." In addition, it appears that Raskolnikov is losing what little sanity he had left. In a conversation with an inspector leading the murder investigation, Raskolnikov jokes that he knows an abundance of information regarding the murders. Although Raskolnikov is clearly a conflicted character with an internal struggle between right and wrong, I was still dumbfounded by this conversation. Seriously, what kind of murderer does this!? He practically confessed to the police, while simultaneously trying not get caught. It makes no sense. Clearly, his mental health is on a rapid decline.

-Alex 

Madie's Reaction P2 Ch.4-6

I thought that these three chapters were very interesting. Not only does Raskolnikov become more paranoid, but now a new character is introduced; Luzhin. During Razumikhin’s house warming party is when he first arrives, and they talk about the murder of Alyona Ivanova. Raskolnikov acts rudely towards him and Luzhin comes off as very pompous and arrogant. But you can feel Raskolnikov's discomfort while they discuss the murder. I could sense Raskolnikov getting anxious when he finally decides to leave. He goes to a cafe where he meets a police officer. Raskolnikov is obviously overwhelmed in guilt and dismay because he almost tells the police things about the murder, however he covers it up deceptively. He is unable to let go of the murder. He cannot escape the stress and guilt and paranoia that comes with it. This can be seem when he returns to Alyona Ivanova's house. Some painters are covering up the blood, and Raskolnikov walks into the apartment, questioning them. His distress is quite obvious and his paranoia is increasing. I think that someone will find out about the murder. He came so close to revealing it to the police officer... 

- Madie