Kodavatiganti1 PuneethKodavatiganti Ms. Smith English 11 AP 9 April 2011 Crime and Punishment Essay Outline I. Introduction a. b.

Written by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the novel Crime and Punishment displays the thriving nature of suffering in humanity. Raskolnikov, the novels most acceptable protagonist, is the soul victim of Dostevsky experiment as Dostoevsky uses Raskolnikov to portray the effect of suffering one endure after committing a murder. Throughout the novel, suffering almost plays the role of a main character as it is present within in pretty much all the characters. c. Through the use and presentation of characters such as Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov, Dostoevsky is able to illustrate the role suffering plays on individuals as each character endures similar suffering, but come out through a completely distinct apex. Through these characters, Dostoevsky is able to prove that peace from suffering is only obtainable with the mix of receiving love and paying for the mistakes committed. II. Raskolnikov, the main character, is the soul of Dostoevskys philosophy of suffering as Raskolnikov endures suffering from the beginning of the novel and Dostoevsky clearly illustrates the behavioral changes and erratic actions he commits in his state of depression.

Kodavatiganti2 a. Raskolnikov is a poor student who seems to have on his shoulders all the burdens of poverty and misfortune in the world. Not being able to pay his rent and trudging with depression of dropping out of school, Raskolnikov is constantly tormented with thoughts of mischief and inhumane acts of corruption. i. For example, Dostoevsky states was crushed by poverty, but the anxieties of his position had of late ceased to weigh upon him (Dostoevsky, 13). This quote clearly exhibits the state of misery Raskolnikov is experiencing and foreshadows much of Raskolnikovs future in the novel. Even though he is a college drop-out due to his social status and scarcity of capital, the suffering Raskolnikov experiences in this scene is the result of a thought which has been regularly processing in his mind. Through this example, Dostevsky is able to give an insight into his philosophy as he clearly signifies the path suffering takes on individuals. Dostoevskys philosophy of suffering was, towards the begging of the novel, only perceivable to the reader if he or she underwent deep thought and understood the terms of the novel. However, in this scene of the murder scene itself, the philosophy is clearly illustrated as Dostoevsky presents the vulnerable and gullible state of the human mind. b. Dostoevsky almost uses a form of a storyline in order to illustrate his viewpoint of suffering. Once he introduces Raskolnikov and the plot of the novel, Dostoevsky furthermore twists the story with the addition of another murder and with the moods and jolts Raskolnikov undergoes. Many readers and reviewers have

Kodavatiganti3 commented about this event and have placed their beliefs about Raskolnikovs action. i. For instance, Leonard Rubinstein writes in his critical review of the novel, His dismissal of law as device for those capable than he of making distinction is demonstrated to be in error. He can no longer envision himself as destroying evil to accomplish good, as a strong man performing an act to succor others. In Lizavita, he destroys innocence to save himself; he performs evil (Rubinstein, 139). Raskolnikov has lost control of his psychological self due to the pain he constantly deals with after murdering Alona, the pawnbroker. Rubenstein expresses thoughts on the idea of Raskolnikovs new and changing character. Due to his solitude and ongoing agony, the only escape Raskolnikov discovers is through committing more evils. c. Lastly, Dostoevsky uses the release of Raskolnikov from pain as the final illustration to his philosophy. Towards the end of the novel, Raskolnikov fights within himself in an attempt to make a decision on whether or not telling his love, Sonia, about his mischievous acts. Raskolnikov is shadowed by suffering. Because of the murders he has committed and due to his temporary instable state, Raskolnikov deals with a living nightmare every day. In this part, Raskolnikov is completely rid of suffering as he finally finds the courage, which was only capable of being accomplished with the help of Sonia, to accept his crime and visit the Siberian prison for regeneration.

Kodavatiganti4 i. But these recollections scarcely troubled him now; he knew with what infinite love he would now repay all her sufferings (Dostoevsky, Epilogue). In the last part of the novel, Raskolnikov believed he was still isolated from the norm of society, and thus did not want to reveal his mistakes. However, in this part, with the affection bestowed upon him from Sonia and the love his family expresses toward him, he finally begins to question his ideology of the extraordinary man and gives into failing his goal. Although he does admit to the murders, he does not admit he committed a crime as he believes the deaths of Alena and Lizavita were only a benefit to the society. After he realizes he is not alone in his trek and that Sonia will always stand beside him, he admits to the crime and is released from his suffering. III. Not only does Dostoevsky use Raskolnikov to define his view of suffering, he also uses Svidrigailov in order to perform a compare and contrast. Because