Raskolnikov's Struggle with Guilt and Justification

Aug 17, 2024

Crime and Punishment: Part Three, Chapter Five and Six

Key Characters:

  • Raskolnikov: Protagonist struggling with guilt.
  • Razumikhin: Raskolnikov's friend.
  • Porfiry: Police investigator.

Chapter Five:

Key Events:

  • Raskolnikov feigns being light-hearted during a meeting with Razumikhin and Porfiry.
  • Porfiry's Knowledge:
    • Porfiry knows about items Raskolnikov pawned with Ileana.
    • Porfiry subtly reveals he is aware of Raskolnikov's recent activities.
  • Article on Crime:
    • Raskolnikov's article argues crime is accompanied by illness.
    • Introduces the theory that extraordinary men can commit crimes for the common good.
    • Uses Napoleon as an example of a leader whose actions transcend ordinary laws.
    • Razumikhin is horrified by Raskolnikov's justification for violence.
  • Discussion of Crime:
    • Debate on whether crime is justifiable.
    • Porfiry questions Raskolnikov about the painters at the pawnbrokers before leaving.

Chapter Six:

Key Events:

  • Razumikhin is upset about Porfiry's suspicion of Raskolnikov.
  • Raskolnikov's Inner Conflict:
    • Dissects Porfiry's investigative methods.
    • Despite confidence, paranoia ensues leading him to search for missed evidence.
  • Mysterious Encounter:
    • A man on the street whispers "murderer" to Raskolnikov, causing panic.
    • This encounter exacerbates Raskolnikov's anxiety.
  • Realization of Ordinary Nature:
    • Concludes he is not extraordinary, lacks conviction.
    • Feels guilty, realizing he is not superior; compares himself unfavorably to the pawnbroker.
  • Shift in Blame:
    • Blames the pawnbroker for his predicament, claiming he cannot forgive her.

Themes:

  • Guilt and Paranoia: Raskolnikov's increasing struggle with guilt and paranoia.
  • Moral Justification of Crime: The debate on whether crime can be justified for a greater good.
  • Extraordinary vs. Ordinary: The exploration of what it means to be an extraordinary person and the implications of this belief.