Great Books/Reading Crime and Punishment

Cover of the first edition of Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a psychological drama set in St. Petersburg, Russia. The novel revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, who formulates a plan to kill a morally dubious pawnbroker for her money. He justifies his actions by convincing himself that the murder would be for the greater good, eliminating a worthless person and using the money to achieve something positive.

Raskolnikov goes through with the murder but is immediately wracked with guilt and paranoia. His mental state deteriorates as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. The novel explores his internal struggle, the conflict between his intellectual justifications and his innate moral compass.

As the story unfolds, Raskolnikov's life becomes increasingly entangled with those around him, including his family, his loyal friend Razumikhin, the destitute yet virtuous Sonia Marmeladov, and the shrewd police investigator Porfiry Petrovich. Each character plays a pivotal role in Raskolnikov's journey towards eventual confession and redemption.

The novel delves deeply into themes of morality, justice, and redemption, examining the psychological turmoil of guilt and the possibility of atonement. Dostoyevsky’s intricate portrayal of Raskolnikov’s psyche and his exploration of existential and philosophical questions make "Crime and Punishment" a profound and enduring work of literature.

Assignment

Obtain a copy of the book. It is available in Wikisource, and is available from several libraries listed in Worldcat.

Read the book. Study the book.

Write an essay on one of the following topics:

In a Great Books University curriculum, discussion questions for Fyodor Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment" might focus on the novel’s themes, characters, and philosophical questions. Here are some examples of discussion questions that might be assigned:

1. Moral Justifications and Ethics:
   • How does Raskolnikov justify his crime before and after committing it?
   • Discuss the moral and ethical implications of his theory about "extraordinary" individuals. Do you find his argument convincing? Why or why not?
2. Psychological Exploration:
   • How does Dostoyevsky depict Raskolnikov’s psychological state throughout the novel?
   • In what ways does Raskolnikov's guilt manifest, and how does it affect his actions and relationships?
3. Themes of Redemption and Punishment:
   • How are the themes of crime, punishment, and redemption explored in the novel?
   • What role does suffering play in Raskolnikov’s path to redemption?
4. Character Analysis:
   • Analyze the character of Sonia Marmeladov. How does her faith and morality contrast with Raskolnikov’s nihilism?
   • Discuss the role of Porfiry Petrovich in the novel. How does his approach to solving the crime differ from traditional methods of investigation?
5. Social and Economic Context:
   • How does Dostoyevsky portray the socio-economic conditions of St. Petersburg?
   • In what ways do these conditions influence the characters' actions and decisions?
6. Philosophical Influences:
   • Explore the philosophical influences in "Crime and Punishment". How do existentialism and utilitarianism feature in Raskolnikov’s thinking?
   • How does Dostoyevsky critique these philosophies through the narrative?
7. Symbols and Motifs:
   • What are the significant symbols and motifs in the novel (e.g., the city of St. Petersburg, the cross, dreams)?
   • How do they contribute to the overall meaning and themes of the work?
8. Narrative Structure and Style:
   • Discuss Dostoyevsky’s narrative style and use of perspective in "Crime and Punishment".
   • How does the shifting point of view affect the reader’s understanding of Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil?
9. Comparison with Other Works:
   • Compare "Crime and Punishment" with other works by Dostoyevsky, such as "The Brothers Karamazov" or "The Idiot".
   • What recurring themes and character types can you identify?
10. Justice and Legal System:
    • How is the legal system depicted in "Crime and Punishment"?
    • What commentary does Dostoyevsky provide on the nature of justice and law through the characters and their experiences?

These questions encourage students to engage deeply with the text, considering its historical context, philosophical underpinnings, and literary techniques.