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?
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What response does Raskolnikov give when asked about his 'work' that causes Nastasya to laugh?
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Why does Raskolnikov get in a scuffle with a man on the street?
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Pick out two key images from Raskolnikov's dream and their significance.
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What are the means, motive, and opportunity Raskolnikov has for the murder?
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How are women and their sexuality characterized in the novel?
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How might you paraphrase what Raskolnikov's mother is saying?
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Who is Raskolnikov?
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Who is Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov?
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Who is Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov?
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Who is Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov?
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Who is Dmitri Prokofych Razumikhin?
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Who is Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov?
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Who is Semyon Zakharovich Marmeladov?
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Who is Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikov?
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Who is Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin?
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Who is Alyona Ivanovna?
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Who is Lizaveta Ivanovna?
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Who is Nastasya Petrovna?
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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.'?
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Who remarked on Dostoevsky's greatness stemming from the dynamism of his work?
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Who reflected on the nature of man's soul, referring to him as 'a kind of illegitimate child'?
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What does Dostoevsky express about the mystery of man?
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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.