What happened in chapter 4 of Crime and Punishment?
Summary: Chapter IV
On his walk, Raskolnikov decides that he will not allow the marriage to take place, as Dunya is plainly sacrificing herself to help him. Luzhin sounds stingy and disrespectful, and Raskolnikov develops a passionate hatred of him.
What does Sonia tell Raskolnikov about Katerina and Lizaveta?
Sonya reveals that she was a friend of the murdered Lizaveta. In fact, Lizaveta gave Sonya a cross and a copy of the Gospels. Raskolnikov commands Sonya to read him the story of Lazarus. Sonya manages to overcome her terror of the crazed Raskolnikov and reads, shaking as she does so.
Why is Raskolnikov attracted to Sonya?
It now becomes apparent that Raskolnikov is attracted to Sonya because he sees in her the symbol and the representative of “all the suffering of humanity.” Even though she is thin and frail, she can carry a very heavy burden. Thus Raskolnikov will test her further to see how much she can bear.
Why does Raskolnikov bow down to Sonia?
He makes this gesture of bowing down to Sonia—who to him symbolizes the suffering of humanity—as a way to achieve a kind of renewal of spirit. He sees suffering as a way to access divine love, a common religious idea.
Why did marmeladov’s wife drag him by the hair?
Then, he dares Raskolnikov not to call him a pig. He says that he might be a pig, but his wife, Katerina Ivanovna, “is a lady.” She’s also well educated and from a good family, Marmeladov says. Apparently, she also pulls him around by his hair, which he thinks is good for him.
Why does marmeladov drink?
Marmeladov is caught in a vicious cycle of suffering and alcoholism. He drinks because he suffers. The drinking pushes his family further into poverty. This makes him feel guilty, so he drinks more and wallows in his suffering.
How does Sonia react to Raskolnikov’s confession?
What Sonia says in response to this moment of revelation took my breath away. First she says, “What have you done?” which we might expect her to say. Then, immediately after, she wails, “What have you done to yourself!” Sonia understands, implicitly, the cost of what Raskolnikov has done.
Why did Nikolai confess?
He then explains why Nikolay the painter confessed to the murder. The painter happens to belong to an old religious order, which believes that man should suffer and to suffer at the hands of authorities is the best type of suffering, but above all “simply suffering is necessary.”
Is Raskolnikov in love with Sonya?
It takes quite some time for Rodion Raskolnikov to realize that there is something special about Sonya. However, he does fall deeply in love with her.
How old was Raskolnikov?
A 23-year-old man and former student, now destitute, Raskolnikov is described in the novel as “exceptionally handsome, taller than average in height, slim, well built, with beautiful dark eyes and dark brown hair.” On the one hand, he is cold, apathetic, and antisocial; on the other, he can be surprisingly warm and …
Why is marmeladov’s monologue important?
The meeting with Marmeladov is also important in establishing future relationships. First, Marmeladov’s narration introduces Sonya and the entire Marmeladov family. It prepares Raskolnikov to look upon Sonya as a victim and see in Marmeladov’s own sufferings the sufferings of Sonya.
Was Raskolnikov alcoholic?
It’s a good thing Raskolnikov isn’t a drinker. It’s also ironic that he acts like a drunk, considering how he feels about them. There are dozens of lines like this one to be found in Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov does not like drunks and the first chapter, in particular, emphasizes this point.
Does Raskolnikov have a mental illness?
At his trial, Raskolnikov is diagnosed as suffering from ‘some sort of temporary insanity … a morbid monomania of murder and robbery’ (p. 536).
What is the main theme of Crime and Punishment?
Alienation from Society
Alienation is the primary theme of Crime and Punishment. At first, Raskolnikov’s pride separates him from society. He sees himself as superior to all other people and so cannot relate to anyone. Within his personal philosophy, he sees other people as tools and uses them for his own ends.
What is the ending of Crime and Punishment?
Crime and Punishment ends with the promise of a new story. The novel’s epilogue details how Raskolnikov, after confessing his crime of murdering the old pawnbroker and her sister, is tried in court. Because of his many selfless deeds (such as rescuing orphans), he is given a sentence of eight years in Siberia.
What does Sonya symbolize?
What does Sonya represent in Crime and Punishment? Sonya is the ultimate representation of Christian love. Sacrificing herself for her family and for Rodion, she is a saintly prostitute.
What is Raskolnikov’s illness?
Is Raskolnikov a narcissist?
As intelligent, and capable, as Raskolnikov is, he’s also very arrogant, and narcissistic, so he doesn’t quite understand nearly as much as he thinks. After Raskolnikov commits his murders, Dostoevsky uses the next 300 pages to outline Raskolnikov’s descent into madness, and psychological deterioration.
What does Sonya represent in crime and punishment?
Character Analysis
Sonia’s character represents human hardship through her own misery; however, her trials are overcome by sheer will and determination. Sonia is a survivor, an aspect of her character that Raskolnikov does not seem to see.
What caused marmeladov’s drinking?
Why did marmeladov lose his job?
Marmeladov spills out his entire recent history, telling how he had been in government service but had lost his position because of alcoholism. However, he had recently been reinstated as a clerk in a government office, but as of now, he has been drinking constantly for five days and is now afraid to go home.
Is Raskolnikov good or evil?
Raskolnikov’s definition of crime was evil will in action. Raskolnikov knows that he possesses no evil will, and so he does not consider himself a criminal. He is capable of justifying his crime. He murdered a pawnbroker that was of no use to society and wanted to use her money to improve his life and career.
How old is Raskolnikov?
What is the conclusion of Crime and Punishment?
All of the falling action occurs in the epilogue. Dounia and Razumikhin get married. Raskolnikov, on the other hand, is sentenced to eight years of imprisonment in Siberia. Sonia follows him there and provides support and guidance.
How did Sonya change Raskolnikov?
Therefore, Sonya is the redemptive figure for Raskolnikov’s humane aspect of his personality. Through her suffering, she makes him realize the importance of a love for humanity, that a human being cannot be “a louse” or a parasite sucking the life from other human beings.