Crime and Punishment Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Setting: St. Petersburg, Russia, 1860s July.
• Main Character: Raskolnikov, an impoverished student.
• Initial Plan: Plot to murder a greedy pawnbroker, Ileana.

Plot Overview

Rising Action

• Raskolnikov's Motive: Inspired by overhearing a student's conversation about Ileana's death benefiting others.
• Murders Committed: Kills Ileana with an axe, then her half-sister Lizaveta unexpectedly.
• Aftermath: Raskolnikov becomes ill and delirious.
• Investigations: Police suspicion due to Raskolnikov's behavior.
• Family Dynamics: Dunya (Raskolnikov’s sister) breaks off engagement due to lies.

Climax

• Confession: Raskolnikov confesses to Sonia.
• Svidrigaïlov: Attempts to manipulate Dunya; eventually commits suicide.

Falling Action & Resolution

• Raskolnikov's Redemption: Confesses to police, sentenced to Siberia.
• Sonia’s Support: Visits him regularly; symbolizes redemption and love.
• Raskolnikov's Transformation: Embraces love for Sonia.

Characters

• Raskolnikov: Central conflicted character; embodies themes of power vs. love.
• Sonia: Represents morality, compassion, and redemption.
• Ileana: The pawnbroker, symbolizes greed and moral void.
• Dunya: Raskolnikov’s sister, embodies integrity and familial loyalty.
• Lou Jean: Superficial and manipulative potential fiancé of Dunya.
• Razumikhin: Raskolnikov's loyal friend, voice of reason.
• Svidrigaïlov: Depraved antagonist interested in Dunya.

Symbols

• Raskolnikov's Garret: Symbolizes alienation and arrogance.
• The Cross: Represents Christian faith and suffering.
• Napoleon: Symbol of the extraordinary man theory.
• Lazarus Story: Symbol of redemption and new life through faith.

Themes

• Alienation: Explored through characters’ isolation.
• Crime and Suffering: Crime brings suffering and psychological turmoil.
• Morality: Conflict between old Christian and new rational morality.
• Redemption: Achieved through suffering and love.

Analysis

• Raskolnikov’s Theory: Extraordinary men can transgress moral boundaries.
• Moral Conflict: Rational vs. religious morality.
• Character Responses to Suffering: Defining characters and their journeys.

These notes summarize the key elements of "Crime and Punishment" as discussed in the lecture, focusing on characters, themes, plot development, and symbolic references.