Name: ______________________________________

Summer 2015
Ms. Larson-Long
L3English12.weebly.com
AP LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION SUMMER ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW

Welcome to AP Literature and Composition!

For your summer reading assignment, you will read Crime and
Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. This novel will help develop the
close reading and analytical skills needed for the AP Literature exam.
Do not be swayed by its length or the main characters stream of
consciousness type of storytelling. Its view of the human condition
under imposed societal structures is unparalleled and is frequently
cited on the AP exam.
This novel is available online for students who are unable to obtain a hard copy of the
novel: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2554/2554-h/2554-h.htm

ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
You will be required to do two things:
1. Complete the reading questions (see following page for requirements)
2. E-mail Ms. Larson-Long at least once per week with your reactions to the novel. In
contrast to the reading questions, which are structured and analytical, your message to
me is a space for students to post their thoughts or any areas of confusion. There is no
minimum lengththe only requirements are honesty and thoughtfulness! Message
due dates:
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter
Chapter

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:

June 19
June 26
July 3
July 10
July 17
July 24
July 31

Needless to say, this is a weighty novel. If you fall behind on these reading assignments, it will
be VERY difficult for you to catch up.
I can be reached at llarson-long@laalliance.org or llarsonlong@gmail.com if you have
any questions.

Have a great summer! Happy reading.

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment is a complex novel exploring the nature of a criminal, the psychological
motivations for the crime, and the extent to which a criminal can be successfully rehabilitated.
There are many interesting and multi-faceted characters in this intricate story. These
characters all have long Russian names, which can be confusing for readers. In addition,
Dostoevsky often refers to a character by several different nicknames. For simplicity, all of the
male characters will be referred to by their last name, and all of the female characters are
referred to by their first name. Students may want to maintain a list of the characters that
they can refer to as they read the story.

Reading Questions
For your summer reading assignment, you will read part 1 of the novel. This unit guide
contains reading questions that are designed to ensure two things:
1) You are comprehending the text appropriately and accurately
2) You are focusing on the most pertinent points for analysis
Respond to each question carefully, with detail and depth of insight. Each response should
average to be one paragraph long, while some may warrant more than one paragraph. Each
response should also be text based, not based on sources such as Spark Notes. I am looking
for evidence of your thinking and reasoning. Simplistic responses will not receive credit.

UNIT OBJECTIVES
By the end of this Unit, the student will be able to:
1. Cite incidents from the novel to illustrate Raskolnikovs dual nature.
2. Identify doubles or pairs of characters who share similar traits and discuss how these
doubles add believability and suspense to the novel.
3. Discuss the extent to which Raskolnikov believes that his decision to commit the crime, and
the resulting consequences of that crime, are the result of predetermination or fate.
4. Cite incidents from the novel illustrating the following theme: A man can be rehabilitated
through the power of reconciliation, repentance, and love.
5. Point out and explain religious symbols in the novel including:
the number 7
the number 30
the story of Lazarus
Sonias cross
6. Point out the significance of the color yellow and the number three and discuss what they
may represent in Crime and Punishment.

7. Cite incidents from the novel illustrating the extent to which, in Dostoevskys opinion, the
following factors contribute to criminal behavior:
the oppression of poverty
feelings of isolation
insanity
8. Discuss the extent to which Dostoevskys above beliefs were true then and are true now.
9. Define vocabulary words from the text.
10. Recognize and point out instances of irony in Crime and Punishment.
11. Discuss the importance of dreams in the novel to foreshadow future actions and to give
insight into the minds of the characters.
12. Explain Raskolnikovs definition of a crime and discuss why he believes he had the right
to kill the pawnbroker.
13. Relate incidents from the lives of the female characters in the novel that illustrate the
following:
hardships the women must face in this era and the strength required to endure them.
the willingness of the female characters to sacrifice themselves for others and to forgive
the sins of others.
14. Discuss the extent to which Raskolnikovs relationship with the female characters aids his
rehabilitation.
15. Cite incidents from the novel to support the following theme: The psychology of human
nature must be considered when investigating a crime.
16. Relate details from the novel outlining Porfirys methods of interrogation, and discuss the
extent to which these methods are successful when applied to Raskolnikov.
17. Relate the views of Porfiry, Raskolnikov, and the socialists in regard to the causes of
criminal behavior.
18. Cite incidents from the text that point out the extent to which each of the following
elements contributes to Raskolnikovs rebirth:
love
prayer
repentance
punishment
forgiveness
19. Cite incidents from the novel to discuss the following:
Does Raskolnikovs mental illness cause the crime or does the crime cause his illness?
Does imprisonment or punishment help to deter crime? Does it help to rehabilitate a
criminal?
What level of responsibility must society assume for criminal behavior?
Should the criminal justice system consider the mental state of the criminal in fixing a
punishment for the crime?
20. Cite incidents to point out the immoral, though not necessarily criminal, behavior of Luzhin
and Svidrigailov.
21. Point out the extent to which Luzhin is a foil for Svidrigailov and the extent to which
Svidrigailov is a foil for Raskolnikov.
22. Point out the ways in which Sonia and Dounia are similar characters and discuss why
Raskolnikov confides in Sonia instead of Dounia.
23. Cite incidents from the novel illustrating that Razumihins strength of character and his
friendship with Raskolnikov help the reader to recognize the following:
there is a good side to Raskolnikovs character.
environmental factors can be overcome through strength of character.
a happy life is possible.
24. Point out the ways Dostoevsky uses Svidrigailovs nihilistic lifestyle and Lebeziatnikovs
nihilistic views to express his dislike of nihilism.
25. Discuss the ways in which Raskolnikov and Dounia are alike and why only one of them is

able to kill.
26. Discuss whether or not Dostoevsky believes that suffering and punishment are necessary
to rehabilitate a criminal.

READING QUESTIONS
Part 1 Chapter 1
1. Give a detailed account of Raskolnikovs appearance and physical condition.
2. What evidence implies that Raskolnikov is suffering from some type of psychological
condition?
3. Describe Alyona Ivanovnas appearance and profession.
4. What is Raskolnikovs supposed business with Alyona? Does any evidence exist that
Raskolnikov is visiting Alyona for ulterior motives?
5. Give an example from the text that demonstrates Raskolnikovs unpredictable and
volatile temperament.
Chapter 2
1. What is the initial impression of Marmeladovs appearance and demeanor on
Raskolnikov?
2. What are some common traits that Marmeladov and Raskolnikov share, and how do
these traits help form a bond between the two men? How does the introduction of
Marmeladov affect Raskolnikov?
3. Describe Sonia and her relationship to Marmeladov and Katerina Ivanovna. What makes
Katerina pressure Sonia into prostitution?
4. Dostoyevsky was a follower of Christianity, and he often incorporated his religious
beliefs into his writing. For example, the thirty roubles Sonia earns during her first night
as a prostitute alludes to a Biblical story about thirty pieces of silver Judas receives for
betraying Jesus. Give an example of another reference to Christianity found within this
chapter.
5. Briefly describe Katerina Ivanovna. How does she treat Marmeladov when he returns
home with Raskolnikov, and why? Explain Marmeladovs reaction to her treatment.
6. Cite an incident from the story that proves Raskolnikov is capable of feeling compassion
for another persons suffering.
7. Raskolnikov exhibits signs of internal disturbance by showing compassion for humanity
one moment and plotting a murder the next. Explain how Raskolnikovs thoughts, upon
leaving Marmeladovs apartment, display his internal conflict.
Chapter 3
1. The color yellow reoccurs as a description throughout the text, suggesting that it may
have significance. For example, Sonia is required to attain a yellow card in order to
become a prostitute. Read the following excerpt describing Raskolnikovs room, and
discuss your interpretation of what the color yellow might represent.
2. What evidence exists that Raskolnikov is systematically becoming isolated from society?
Explain whether this isolation is intentional or unintentional, and give reasons to support
your answer.

3. How does Raskolnikov feel about receiving a letter from his mother? What does his
reaction to the letter suggest to the reader about his feelings for his family?
4. Describe the incident that occurs between Dounia and the Svidrigailov family. What are
three traits that this situation reveals about Dounias character?
5. In the second part of her letter to Raskolnikov, Pulcheria writes about Dounias
forthcoming marriage to Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin. Briefly describe Luzhin and explain why
he is not a suitable husband for Dounia.
6. Why does Dounia agree to marry Luzhin?
7. How are Sonia and Dounia similar?
8. Pulcheria writes, Dounia and I can travel quite comfortably third class. So that I may
very likely be able to send you not twenty-five but thirty roubles. How does Pulcheria
imply that Sonias betrothal is another sacrifice being made for his benefit?
9. How does Pulcherias letter affect Raskolnikov, and why does he react the way he does?
Chapter 4
1. In a communist economy, ownership of property and business is shared by the
community as a whole rather than by private individuals. The hope of such a system is
to eradicate any and all social inequality. Cite instances of social injustice from this
chapter, which would indicate why communism became popular in Russia.
2. Why does Raskolnikov intervene between the young drunk girl and the fat dandy on
the boulevard?
3. Raskolnikov, in an effort to protect the girl from danger, enlists the aid of a policeman.
Suddenly, without any warning, Raskolnikov changes his mind about helping the girl and
yells to the officer, Let them be! What is it to do with you? Explain Raskolnikovs
erratic behavior.
4. Describe Razumihin and his relationship with Raskolnikov. Why does Raskolnikov
spontaneously decide to visit Razumihin?
Chapter 5
1. Dostoyevsky discusses dreams in the following passage:
In a morbid condition of the brain, dreams often have a singular actuality,
vividness and extraordinary semblance of reality. At times monstrous images
are created, but the setting and the whole picture are so truthlike and filled
with details so delicate, so unexpectedly, but so artistically consistent, that
the dreamer, were he an artist like Pushkin or Turgenev even, could never
have invented them in the waking state. Such sick dreams always remain long
in the memory and make a powerful impression on the overwrought and
deranged nervous system.

Discuss the powerful impression Raskolnikovs dream about the mare makes
on him. What is the source of this dream?

2. Raskolnikov is disturbed by his dream and says:

I knew that I could never bring myself to do it, so what have I been torturing
myself for till now? Yesterday, yesterday, when I went to make thatexperiment
, yesterday I realized completely that I could never bear to do it.
Why does Raskolnikov abandon his plan to murder Alyona, and, if he has forsaken the
plan, why does the thought continue to plague him? Cite incidents from the story to
support your answer.
3. Raskolnikovs dream is significant because it reveals his tendency towards violence, but
this is not the only connection that can be made. In what way is the dream a metaphor
for the lifestyle of young women, such as Sonia, who are forced to live with poverty and
alcoholism?
4. What chance meeting in the Hay Market changes Raskolnikovs life forever, and how?
Chapter 6
1. Raskolnikov recalls overhearing two students in a tavern discuss Alyona, the old
pawnbroker. Why do the students believe killing Alyona would be doing a service [to]
humanity?
2. Cite incidents from the chapter to support the following statement: Raskolnikov is
having trouble distinguishing between dreams and reality.
3. What is the pledge that Raskolnikov intends to give Alyona? How does he plan to
conceal his axe?
4. Why does Raskolnikov believe that most criminals leave obvious traces so that they
are usually arrested for their crimes? How does he plan to avoid the same fate?
5. Raskolnikov acts superstitious by believing certain events and circumstances occur to
help him carry out his plan. Cite an incident in this chapter that Raskolnikov interprets
as a sign that he should carry out his plan.
Chapter 7
1. Find a passage in the story illustrating Raskolnikovs internal struggle after he murders
Alyona.
2. What does Raskolnikov do when he hears the men coming to Alyonas door, and how is
his action ironic?
3. Preceding the murder, Raskolnikov felt certain that his clear conscience and cool

demeanor would keep him from leaving obvious traces of his crime. Discuss how
Raskolnikov displays reason while he is in Alyonas apartment. Cite incidents from the
chapter to support your answer.
4. What evidence does Raskolnikov leave behind which may indicate to the police that the
crime was premeditated?