Embodied Ideas in Crime and Punishment Crime and Punishment presents many ideas about the crime, and morality all through the embodiment of philosophical characters. Through a dark and sick series of events, we follow Raskolnikov and the results of his murder as Dostoevsky exposes the outcomes of acting upon these philosophies, such as utilitarianism, hedonism and Christianity. After Raskolnikov follows through on his utilitarian murder, the people he meets and interacts with bring up different sides of societal ideas, furthering his mental suffering and punishment. As characters come in and out, opinions change, morals swing, and suffering devours Raskolnikov's mind. All this goes to show that in Dostoevsky's opinion utilitarianism, while
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Svidrigailov is a mysterious character, appearing after brief reference in what seems to be a pursuit of Raskolnikov's sister, Dounia. His creepy and malicious intentions reflect the hedonistic ideals his character represents, as well as pose another side of Raskolnikov's utilitarian beliefs. The two characters are very connected. While Raskolnikov believes in great people, worthy of overstepping the law in benefit for others, Svidrigailov believes the same but for personal gain. This is evident in his discussion with Dounia concerning Raskolnikov’s murder : "He has suffered a great deal and is still suffering from the idea that he could make a theory, but was incapable of boldly overstepping the law, and so he is not a man of genius" (Dostoevsky 454). Svidrigailov see’s Raskolnikov's failure to repress his morality as weakness and views himself as his superior, able to go to any lengths to achieve the goals which he finds valuable. The supposed murder of his wife, servants, and overall sinister activity all point to, not his wickedness, but rather his belief that anything must be done to obtain one's happiness and pleasure in life. However, his moral ignorance comes back to bite him. The combination of his ghostly visions, intense nightmares, and failed attempt to woo Dounia all lead to his eventual downfall. No longer able to hold on to his rationality, and with his morality bubbling to the …show more content…
During Raskolnikov’s twisted adventure of murder, strife, and misery ideals are presented, conflicted, and posed to raise questions the reader might never have been brave enough to ask on their own. Dostoevsky uses Svidrigailov’s and Raskolnikov’s characters to show the effects of torment and punishment caused by moral crimes. While he does show how it could all end with Svidrigailov, he also gives the reader hope by showing how support from someone such as Sonia can lead to one's redemption. Morality and rationality intertwine and connect with each other in so many ways, yet differ dramatically in how we view the world, and in turn the actions we take. Those decisions, as we clearly see, can dramatically affect our lives and should not be taken as lightly as perhaps Raskolnikov did. The true point I believe Dostoevsky was trying to bring about was that rational or moral decisions must be made at different times and in different circumstances. Be careful with your decisions and let your actions be true of
Svidrigailov is a mysterious character, appearing after brief reference in what seems to be a pursuit of Raskolnikov's sister, Dounia. His creepy and malicious intentions reflect the hedonistic ideals his character represents, as well as pose another side of Raskolnikov's utilitarian beliefs. The two characters are very connected. While Raskolnikov believes in great people, worthy of overstepping the law in benefit for others, Svidrigailov believes the same but for personal gain. This is evident in his discussion with Dounia concerning Raskolnikov’s murder : "He has suffered a great deal and is still suffering from the idea that he could make a theory, but was incapable of boldly overstepping the law, and so he is not a man of genius" (Dostoevsky 454). Svidrigailov see’s Raskolnikov's failure to repress his morality as weakness and views himself as his superior, able to go to any lengths to achieve the goals which he finds valuable. The supposed murder of his wife, servants, and overall sinister activity all point to, not his wickedness, but rather his belief that anything must be done to obtain one's happiness and pleasure in life. However, his moral ignorance comes back to bite him. The combination of his ghostly visions, intense nightmares, and failed attempt to woo Dounia all lead to his eventual downfall. No longer able to hold on to his rationality, and with his morality bubbling to the …show more content…
During Raskolnikov’s twisted adventure of murder, strife, and misery ideals are presented, conflicted, and posed to raise questions the reader might never have been brave enough to ask on their own. Dostoevsky uses Svidrigailov’s and Raskolnikov’s characters to show the effects of torment and punishment caused by moral crimes. While he does show how it could all end with Svidrigailov, he also gives the reader hope by showing how support from someone such as Sonia can lead to one's redemption. Morality and rationality intertwine and connect with each other in so many ways, yet differ dramatically in how we view the world, and in turn the actions we take. Those decisions, as we clearly see, can dramatically affect our lives and should not be taken as lightly as perhaps Raskolnikov did. The true point I believe Dostoevsky was trying to bring about was that rational or moral decisions must be made at different times and in different circumstances. Be careful with your decisions and let your actions be true of