Crime & Punishment Part 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Raskolnikov's relationship with his landlady like?

Problematic - he owes her a lot of money and hides from her. He makes excuses for not paying rent.

What do we learn about Marmeladov's family?

Marmeladov is an alcoholic public official whose drinking causes suffering for his family. His daughter Sonia is forced into prostitution, and his wife Katerina is violent and ill.

Describe Raskolnikov's relationships with his mother and sister.

Raskolnikov has a close relationship with his sister Dunya, who takes responsibility for the family. His mother is deeply concerned for his well-being and sacrifices for him.

What quote sums up the character of Luzhin?

'He is a well-to-do man, to be depended upon... he is altogether a very respectable and presentable man, only he seems a little morose and somewhat conceited.' Signup and view all the answers

What response does Raskolnikov give when asked about his 'work' that causes Nastasya to laugh?

'I think,' he replied seriously, after a pause. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Raskolnikov get in a scuffle with a man on the street?

Raskolnikov intervenes because the man is preying on a young, drunk girl who is unable to defend herself. Signup and view all the answers

Pick out two key images from Raskolnikov's dream and their significance.

The abused horse and drunkenness. The horse represents the weakness Raskolnikov fears, and the drunkenness foreshadows his future moral decline. Signup and view all the answers

What are the means, motive, and opportunity Raskolnikov has for the murder?

Means: Axe; Motive: Money and dislike for Alyona Ivanovna; Opportunity: He overhears Lizaveta's plans. Signup and view all the answers

How are women and their sexuality characterized in the novel?

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How might you paraphrase what Raskolnikov's mother is saying?

She loves him and feels guilty about the sacrifices made for him. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Raskolnikov?

Raskolnikov is the protagonist of the novel, a former student who struggles with moral dilemmas and alienation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov?

Sofya, or Sonya, is Raskolnikov's love and the daughter of Marmeladov. She is forced into prostitution but maintains her religious faith. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov?

Dunya is Raskolnikov's sister, intelligent and proud, who stands up for her family. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov?

Svidrigailov is Dunya's former employer, a morally corrupt man who believes he can win her love. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin?

Razumikhin is Raskolnikov's friend, a kind and hard-working character who contrasts sharply with Raskolnikov's isolation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov?

Katerina is Marmeladov's wife, seriously ill and proud of her aristocratic background. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov?

Marmeladov is an alcoholic public official aware of his ruinous drinking habits but unable to stop. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikov?

Pulcheria is Raskolnikov's mother, devoted to her son and willing to sacrifice for his success. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin?

Luzhin is Dunya's fiancé, characterized as stingy and self-absorbed. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Alyona Ivanovna?

Alyona is an old pawnbroker whom Raskolnikov kills, viewed as a symbol of greed and exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Lizaveta Ivanovna?

Lizaveta is Alyona's simple sister, who is later revealed to have been friends with Sonya. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Nastasya Petrovna?

Nastasya is a servant in Raskolnikov's house who cares for him during his illness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Raskolnikov mean when he says, 'then all the rest is prejudice'?

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Who quoted, 'Nobody understands human psychology like Dostoevsky, and that's why I've banned him.'?

Joseph Stalin Signup and view all the answers

Who remarked on Dostoevsky's greatness stemming from the dynamism of his work?

A.V. Lunacharsky Signup and view all the answers

Who reflected on the nature of man's soul, referring to him as 'a kind of illegitimate child'?

Dostoevsky Signup and view all the answers

What does Dostoevsky express about the mystery of man?

To study the meaning of man and of life is essential and not a waste of time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Relationships

Raskolnikov has a troubled relationship with his landlady due to unpaid rent, leading him to avoid her and create excuses.
Marmeladov, an alcoholic public official, contributes to his family's suffering. His daughter Sonia is forced into prostitution by his proud and abusive wife, Katerina Ivanovna.
Raskolnikov is close to his sister Dunya and feels responsible for his family's well-being but struggles with guilt about their sacrifices for him.

Key Characters

Raskolnikov: Former student living in poverty, struggles with guilt and self-loathing after contemplating murder.
Sonia: Marmeladov's daughter, forced into prostitution, possesses strong faith and has a meaningful bond with Raskolnikov.
Dunya (Avdotya): Raskolnikov's intelligent and moral sister, who sacrifices for family and stands up to oppressive suitors like Luzhin.
Luzhin: Dunya's self-centered fiancé, views her as a means to fulfill his desires, keen on controlling her due to her financial dependency.
Svidrigailov: Dunya's former employer with a depraved nature, sees Dunya as a potential love interest despite his threatening demeanor.

Themes and Motifs

Raskolnikov's scuffle with a man preying on a young girl highlights his protective instincts and moral complexity.
Dreams reflect Raskolnikov's childhood innocence versus his current moral degradation, symbolized by the brutal treatment of a horse.
Means of murder for Raskolnikov evolves from an axe intended for his landlady to an opportunistically found axe at the caretaker’s, emphasizing fate’s role in the crime.

Philosophical Insights

Dostoevsky’s narratives delve deep into human psychology and moral dilemmas, portraying characters as embodiments of complex traits like guilt and compassion.
Characters face an existential struggle, reflective of Dostoevsky's broader philosophical questions about morality, choice, and the human condition.

Other Key Points

Raskolnikov's emotional turmoil is intensified by his illness, reflecting his alienation from society.
Katerina Ivanovna's pride and illness represent the deterioration of her family’s noble heritage.
Joseph Stalin's ban on Dostoevsky underlines a historical distrust of literature that explores deeper psychological and moral questions, seen as dangerous under communist ideologies.

Notable Quotes

Raskolnikov’s musings convey his internal conflicts and philosophical considerations. Quotations express the essence of his character and the surrounding social commentary.
The disparity in characters' views on the nature of existence and human psyche raises critical reflections on morality and human relationships throughout the narrative.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the key characters and themes from Part 1 of 'Crime & Punishment'. This flashcard quiz covers major relationships and family dynamics within the novel, focusing on Raskolnikov's interactions and the life of Marmeladov's family. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of Dostoevsky's work.