Crime and Punishment Characters Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What were the circumstances of Svidrigailov and Marfa's marriage?

Svidrigailov says that Marfa took advantage of him and that he has nothing to do with his wife's recent murder.

What stories does Svidrigailov tell to justify himself?

He says that he has been visited by the ghost of his ex-wife several times and that he was taken advantage of.

Why does Svidrigailov want to see Dunia?

He heard of Dunia's engagement to Luzhin and wants to do anything he can to help break it up.

What does Razumikhin tell Raskolnikov about his conversation with Porfiry?

He spoke with Porfiry and Zamyotov and Porfiry suspects Raskolnikov of the murders. Signup and view all the answers

What story of Svidrigailov's evil does Luzhin relate?

Svidrigailov persecuted one of his own servants to suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dunia's ultimatum?

Chose between Luzhin and Raskolnikov. Signup and view all the answers

What angers Luzhin in his discussion with the family?

Raskolnikov is there; There is a choice to be made in the first place. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Luzhin considers Dunia to be so perfect for him.

She is poor so she relies on him and is more moral; She is unlike rich girls. Signup and view all the answers

After leaving the others' company what did Luzhin decide must happen?

He still has a chance so he is still going to try. Signup and view all the answers

What did Raskolnikov tell the others he thought of Svidrigailov and their conversation?

He said he thought Svidrigailov was a little crazy, then tells them of the money left by his dead wife. Signup and view all the answers

What is Razumikhin's great idea?

Dunia and Pulcheria should stay in St. Petersburg and go into the publishing business together. Signup and view all the answers

How does Raskolnikov act before he leaves? What does he say that alarms the others?

Distracted; He says that he will be leaving for a long time and they should not go after him. Signup and view all the answers

What key thing seems to occur between Raskolnikov and Razumikhin?

The two share a moment, staring at each other, then Razumikhin realizes that Raskolnikov is the killer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biblical story Raskolnikov makes Sonia read to him? Why does he focus on that story?

He makes her tell the story of Lazarus; hopes for better things to come. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Raskolnikov telling Sonia about the murders?

Sonia knows the pawn broker's sister and they share a moment; Svidrigailov overhears the conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Raskolnikov accuse Porfiry of doing during their meeting?

Suspecting Raskolnikov of the murders. He says that he should charge him or let him go, but not both. Signup and view all the answers

What doesn't Porfiry charge Raskolnikov?

Porfiry wants him to confess. Signup and view all the answers

After Porfiry's plan becomes clear, what do we realize he had been hoping to do? How does his plan backfire?

He tried to get Raskolnikov to admit to send Razumikhin to ask Porfiry about the crimes. Nikolai confesses and foils the plan. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nikolai confess?

Felt pressured to confess because he was very religious and was guilty of something. Signup and view all the answers

At one point, Raskolnikov feels Porfiry is 'bound to win.' What changes Raskolnikov's mind?

Porfiry's plan was foiled; the tenant who called him a murderer apologized and sympathizes with him. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Svidrigailov's Background

Svidrigailov claims Marfa, his wife, took advantage of him and denies involvement in her recent murder.
He shares haunting tales of being visited by his deceased wife, suggesting guilt and victimization.

Dunia's Engagement

Svidrigailov is motivated to visit Dunia, aiming to disrupt her engagement to Luzhin.

Razumikhin's Concerns

Razumikhin informs Raskolnikov about his discussion with Porfiry, who suspects Raskolnikov of murder.

Luzhin's Character

Luzhin recounts Svidrigailov's malicious act where one of his servants was driven to suicide, revealing Luzhin's animosity.

Dunia's Dilemma

Dunia offers an ultimatum, compelling a choice between Raskolnikov and Luzhin.

Luzhin's Frustration

Luzhin feels angered by Raskolnikov's presence, as it complicates his plans, indicating his hope for a decisive choice.

Luzhin's View of Dunia

He views Dunia as ideal for his ambitions, believing her poverty will make her dependent and morally superior to wealthier women.

Luzhin's Determination

After leaving the gathering, Luzhin resolves to pursue his chances despite escalating tensions.

Raskolnikov's Perception

Raskolnikov characterizes Svidrigailov as somewhat unstable and informs others about money left by Svidrigailov’s deceased wife.

Razumikhin's Proposal

Razumikhin suggests that Dunia and Pulcheria start a publishing business in St. Petersburg, showcasing his aspiration for them.

Raskolnikov's Departure

Raskolnikov exhibits distraction and expresses he will be absent for an extended period, alarming those around him.

Conflict Between Raskolnikov and Razumikhin

A pivotal moment occurs as Raskolnikov and Razumikhin share a significant glance, leading Razumikhin to deduce Raskolnikov's guilt.

Raskolnikov and Sonia

Raskolnikov requests Sonia to read the story of Lazarus from the Bible, reflecting his hope for redemption and renewal.

Confession and Connection

Raskolnikov reveals the murders to Sonia, creating an emotional bond as they connect over the pawn broker's sister; Svidrigailov overhears.

Raskolnikov Accuses Porfiry

He confronts Porfiry about suspicions surrounding him and challenges him to make a decision regarding formal charges.

Porfiry's Tactics

Rather than pressing charges, Porfiry seeks a confession from Raskolnikov, hinting at a psychological strategy.

Porfiry's Strategy Backfires

Porfiry's plan to induce Raskolnikov's admission falters when Nikolai, feeling guilty and religiously pressured, confesses instead.

Raskolnikov's Changing Mind

Initially believing Porfiry had the upper hand, Raskolnikov's perspective shifts after encountering unexpected sympathy from a tenant who previously accused him.

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Description

This quiz explores key character dynamics in Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', focusing on Svidrigailov, Luzhin, and Dunia. Delve into the moral dilemmas and relational tensions that shape their interactions. Test your understanding of their motivations and conflicts in the narrative.