"Crime and Punishment" First-Half Test Review Questions

1. What is the relationship between Raskolnikov and his landlady?

The relationship between Raskolnikov and his landlady is tense. He owes her a lot of money, so he avoids her at all costs because he feels anxious, ashamed, and even afraid.

2. What nervous habit has Raskolnikov taken to doing? (2)

Raskolnikov has created a habit of talking to himself.

How do we know Rodion is poverty stricken?

Dostoyevsky writes that he is "crushingly poor," so poor in fact that he no longer even feels the "oppression" of his poverty (1). This suggests that he is completely hopeless about his financial situation. In addition, the neighborhood he walks through when he leaves his flat is described as "mournfully repellent" (2). In fact, the author adds that he has not eaten in two days, which is affecting his ability to think clearly (2).

Why does it bother him the least to wear his shabby clothing outside? (3)

His clothing bothers him the least because he has so much contempt in his soul.

Why does Raskolnikov remark about his hat?

He says that he desires to be inconspicuous, and doesn't want people to notice or remember him.

How is the old woman described? (4) What does she do? (5)

The old woman is described as suspicious, small, and sharp, with "malicious little eyes" and a wrinkled, yellow neck "like a hen's legs". Aliona Ivanovna is a pawnbroker.

What's ironic about the state of the old woman's apartment?

Her apartment is described as fastidiously clean and decorated as you might imagine an old Russian grandmother's room--old furniture, paintings of women with flowers and birds, floral curtains, etc (6). This is ironic because the woman is a shrewd pawnster and loan shark, not a sweet old granny (6)

Briefly outline the amounts of money that are exchanged between Raskolnikov and the old lady. How does he go from getting a ruble and a half to only a ruble and 15?

kopecks? 1 ruble = 100 kopecks

The landlady begins by offering a ruble and a half, and this makes Raskolnikov very upset. She then goes to her other room to get her money and explains to him that "Ten kopecks a month to the ruble, fifteen kopecks deducted from your ruble and a half for a month in advance. And for the two rubles already on account, at the same rate, twenty kopecks. So that comes to thirty-five. That means you get a ruble fifteen kopecks for your watch".

What's Raskolnikov been plotting for a whole month? (7)

While Dostoyevsky doesn't exactly say that Raskolnikov is plotting to kill Aliona Ivanovna, it is implied heavily in his agitation, disgust with himself, and references to the vile, filthy, horrible act he has been planning for a month (7).

What has happened to Marmeladov's wife? Why did this happen? (11-16)

Marmeladov's wife was beaten by one Mr. Lebezyatnikov a month prior. This is because Marmeladov owes Mr. Lebezyatnikov money. Later, it is revealed that she stands up to him on Sonya's behalf

What does Marmeladov mean by saying he "drank up her [his wife's] stockings"? (13)

Marmeladov was using everything they had to get drunk.

Why does Katherine Ivanovna tell her daughter, "And why not? ...what are you saving it for? Some treasure!"? (15)

Katerina has three younger children who are always hungry and cold, and she herself (possibly) has tuberculosis. She tells Sonya that there is no reason to preserve her virginity (the "treasure" mentioned) because she wants Sonya to go make money as a prostitute (14). When Sonya does just that and comes home with 30 rubles, Katerina stays beside her all night, kissing her feet. This suggests that Katerina is cruel out of desperation, not out of heartlessness (14).

Discuss Marmeladov's view on Sonya's and his own salvation (20-21).

Despite his deep alcoholism and destitution, Marmeladov believes that his sacrifice (his suffering in the bottle) is noble because it has made Sonya holy--she has suffered much from him out of love and been gracious, and Marmeladov believes it will save her.

Why does Marmeladov receive "pleasure" from his wife's physical admonishments?

It makes him feel at ease by how his wife is punishing him for his sins, and he wants to receive punishment for his sins and his guilt. It also makes him feel at ease knowing that Katherine is taking all her anger out on him, and not on the kids.

What does Raskolnikov leave on the windowsill at Marmeladov's house? Why does he do it?

Raskolnikov leaves some money on the windowsill after leaving Marmeladov's home. He regrets doing so at first since he needs the money, but he reasons that Sonya needs the rouge if she is going to continue prostituting to support the miserable little family.

After the incident at Marmeladov's house, Raskolnikov asks himself the question,

"What if man really isn't a scoundrel... And there are no barriers, and everything is as it should be!" Analyze and decipher his thinking.

Raskolnikov is thinking to himself that since he doesn't believe in anything, and doesn't live for anything, he doesn't think that he has a reason to live morally, because he does not see any barrier present to prevent him from crossing the line, which is the concept of nihilism. The implication that mankind's adaptability is not a moral quandary bears upon his decision to commit murder, for if Sonya's prostitution is acceptable then so too is murder

What does the narrator think of Raskolnikov's hatred for and withdrawal from society?

He calls him a "monomaniac," a psychological term for someone who is mentally unwell and obsesses over one thing to the detriment of everything else.

What do we learn of Raskolnikov's earlier profession? Why doesn't he resume it?

He used to teach children, but he "spits" upon that now because they paid him too little to support himself.

Why did the merchant Afanasy Ivanovich Vakhrushin keep Rodion's mother's pension from her?

He keeps her pension as collateral for a loan he gave her. When she repays the loan, he will release her pension.

How was Donia (Rodion's sister) able to send him 60 rubles earlier that year to help him? How did this affect her life?

Dunia was able to send Raskolnikov 60 rubles because she received 100 rubles in advance for working as a governess for months. This affected Dunia's life by how she was forced to experience Mr. Svidrigailov's romantic and unpleasant romantic advances toward her.

Why did Martha Petrovna strike Dunia? What happened to her and her family as a result of this quarrel, and how are they finally exonerated?

She overheard her husband propositioning her, and Martha placed on blame on Dunia. She dumped Dunia into a peasant cart with all her belongings, and she was rained on for twelve miles. Her family was slowly ostracized from the town. Eventually Svidrigailov confessed to his wife that he alone was blameworthy. Dunia's letter proved her innocence.

Discuss the character of Dunia's new suitor/fiancé: Peter Petrovich Luzhin.

He feels women need to be beholden to their men, not the other way around, so he wants a woman who is poor. He claims to be free of prejudice. He has some money and two jobs. He is 45 years old and is a lawyer. He seems a bit impulsive in offering to marry Dunya so quickly.

What does the reader learn, from Raskolnikov's mother's letter, about Dunia and her future hopes for Raskolnikov?

Raskolnikov is/was studying law, though he cannot afford to continue. Both mother and sister hope that through the connections of Dunia's fiancé, he will not only gain employment, but potentially rise to partner. Also that the fiancé will help pay for Raskolnikov's studies to continue.

Why does Raskolnikov refer to Golgotha (the hill where Jesus was said to be crucified) in describing his sister's decision to marry Luzhin?

Golgotha is the hill upon which Jesus was crucified, and Raskolnikov believes that Dunya is sacrificing herself to a stranger in order to save him (30).

What reasons does Raskolnikov give for being angry at his family and Luzhin for this decision? (39-41)

Luzhin is paying for their luggage, but not their trip, which is costing his mother her pension, while Luzhin will most likely get the luggage transported for free. Dunia and her mother are both making a sacrifice for someone who was just ready to throw his life away. They are both too trusting of this man's noble character, banking too desperately on the possibility that he will help, that he "seems" kind.

Explain the parallel Rodion makes between Sonya and Dunia. (42-43) How could Sonya's situation be better?

Both are prostituting themselves for their families. Both are in loveless relationships, relationships without respect (so Rodion thinks). At least Sonya had to turn due to her family's life and death situation; Dunya will be getting a life of luxury out of the real, which Raskolnikov finds more repulsive.

How does Rodion assist the girl on the bench? Why does he assist her?

He helps her by first intervening between her and a "dandy," a man who wanted to take advantage of her, and then telling a policeman about what may have happened. He gives 20 kopecks (a significant portion of his money) to the policeman to hail a cab. He helps because her situation, her helplessness, reminds him of the sister that he is currently impotent to help.

Why did other students at the university take exception to him?

They disliked his antisocial behavior, his poverty, his arrogance, and his haughtiness.

The narrator breaks the narrative a bit to comment on dreams. What does he say about dreams to someone in Raskolnikov's "condition?"

That in a pathological state, dreams are uncommonly sharp and vivid, very similar to reality. They exceed the creative faculties of one who is conscious `

Analyze Raskolnikov's dream. What key things happen? How might his subconscious construct this dream from his present day life's events?

He's a young boy, guided by his father, and he sees peasants, one in particular, Mikolka, beat a horse to death. An axe is suggested. This destruction of an innocent parallels Raskolnikov's toying with the idea of murdering the old woman. His innocent self, symbolized as him as a child in his dream, finds the act unconscionable and unchristian

How does his dream affect his resolution to commit his crime? In what way does seeing Lizaveta affect it? (58-60)

He decides he has too much of a conscience and could never go through with it. Yet the coincidence of not only walking by Lizaveta on a seldom used route to go home, but overhearing that she will be leaving her sister completely alone at a precise time the next day, makes him feel that not only will he commit his crime, but the choice has been made for him in a predestined sort of way.

Describe Lizaveta, and her relationship to her half-sister.

Lizaveta serves her unflinchingly. She is beaten and even bit by her. She has been promised nothing from her old half-sister's will. Liza mends and sells used clothes,and is always pregnant, apparently from her "agreeable" nature.

What argument does Raskolnikov overhear, that later becomes his personal obsession? How is this argument utilitarian in nature? (63-64)

The old woman has, perhaps, thousands of rubles. She uses none of her wealth, or her life, for goodness. By exterminating her, her sister becomes free, and she can no longer take advantage of the needy that come to her. By distributing her wealth, thousands can benefit where without such an intervention, all her wealth will go to a monastery glorying herself.

Give examples of the premeditative nature of Raskolnikov's crime (66-67).

Weeks earlier, he thought he would need a needle and thread to create a kind of slingfor keeping his axe blade unaware inside his coat. He had a fake pledge made, a wrapped present of sorts to deserve as a distractor. The wood contained an iron strip to give it weight, and a firmly fastened knot around the paper (49-50).

What does Raskolnikov consider to be the reason most criminals get caught? How will he be immune to this? (68-69)

They suffer "a failure of willpower and reason," stemming from the moral nature of crime itself. Since he doesn't consider what he's about to do a crime, he will not suffer the typical concomitant lack of judgment.

What are some ways Dostoyevsky lends verisimilitude to Raskolnikov's state of consciousness as he goes between his house and the old woman's apartment?

Many things are surprises to Raskolnikov. He questions himself. His thoughts race. He doubts and then regains his confidence. His heart pounds, and one thought interrupts the next. The pacing of the sentences adds to the suspense. His concept of time is off and hurried, just like the length of the sentences. Everything feels rushed.

What are some things that go wrong during Raskolnikov's act of murder? (72-79)

Lizaveta shows up and he must kill her. He has trouble finding the dresser key,but instead finds a strongbox. He shakes, barely controls his senses. He fears he isgoing crazy. He (and the old woman) left the door partially open. And now someone'scoming (57-58).

How does Koch and the young man determine that the old woman Aliona must be in the house? (80-81)

The sound of the latch means that someone has latched the door from the inside, rather than locked it from the outside (60).

Once Raskolnikov awakens in his apartment, what other errors does he realize he's committed, or does he soon commit, that horrify him? (85-87)

He's got blood on the frayed edge of a pocket. He's left the door unhooked, and passed out with all the evidence of what he's stolen still on him. He tries to stuff everything into a hole in the wall that looks conspicuous. His sling is still under his arm. He leaves the frayed bloodied pocket pieces on the floor which he'd cut. His sock is bloodied, as is his pocket where he stuck the purse (63-64).

Why would Raskolnikov think that he might confess to the crime if they (those at the police station) ask him? (90)

He's delirious with a fever. He's sickened by what he's done, and he worries it will drive him mad (66).

What things make the three policemen suspect Raskolnikov? (99-100)

He faints during their discussion of the murder. He admits to being out on the street yesterday despite his fevered condition. He just seems suspicious in his look and demeanor (white as a sheet) (73-75).

At what point did Rodion make up his mind to rid himself of what he'd taken, rather than keep it around to use it as he originally intended? (105)

He decides to get rid of the valuables the night of the murder, when he is delirious and keeps getting up and down during the night (75), but he knew earlier (when he was gathering the items from the old woman's chest) that he wouldn't keep them (78). When he throws the kopeck into the water, Raskolnikov cuts himself off from "everyone and everything" (81). It marks a decisive break away from humanity and humanity's help.

Discuss Raskolnikov's conflicting impressions as he views the cathedral dome from the bridge over the Neva. (109-110)

He's feeling the separation of his old existence and the things he loved from his new, damned existence, after committing the act of murder (80-81).

What does the act of throwing the 20-kopeck piece he is given into the water symbolize to Rodion? (110)

This act symbolizes how he is cutting himself off from society and does not want anything from humanity anymore.

Describe Raskolnikov's hallucination. Why is Nastasia's answer to his questions so chilling both to Rodion and to the reader? (110-112)

He believes he hears his landlady getting horribly beaten by Ilia, the assistant district superintendent. Nastasya's answer of "It's the blood" to his question of "Why did he call?" is ambiguous, as it recalls Raskolnikov's own brutal deed, but in fact it is quite innocent, only a reference to Rodion's feverish illness (82).

How does Rodion fear he has incriminated himself while delirious? (121)

He mentioned earrings, the various police officers he had encountered, and he begged for his sock and the frayed ends of his trousers, all in the presence of the chief clerk of police, Zametov (88-89).

By what methods is Razumikhin able to get Rodion his 115 ruble-note IOU back from Chebarov, and ease his landlady's temper to evict him? (120)

He bribes Chebarov with 10 rubles of Rodion's money, claiming that his mother can cover all expenses with her pension, and he flatters and ingratiates himself in with Pashenka, the landlady (88).

What are some quirks about Zosimov's character? (126-127)

He's "plump" and tall, impeccably dressed with dandy fashions, he tries to conceal his pretensions, but the narrator notes that they are evident at every moment. He is also universally regarded as someone who is knowledgeable but "difficult to deal with" (93).

What issue does Zosimov take against the chief clerk (Zamiotov)? (128-129)

Zosimov takes issue that Zamiotov accepts bribes.

Why is Mikolay a suspect for murder? (131-136)

Mikolay is a suspect because he found earrings from Aliona on a sidewalk, and then tried to pawn them. He is suspected because the earrings belonged to Aliona, and people think that he is the murderer. He then tries to hang himself, which makes him look even more suspicious.

What's Mikolay's reason for his attempted suicide? Consider his reason both in terms of the law, and religion. (134)

He's worried about how he'll be judged—legally, he has sold a stolen item belonging to a recently murdered woman. He knows it was immoral and paints him in a terrible light. His drinking indicates a desire to hide some sort of guilt. He'll be easily browbeaten into a confession. Religiously, he could be referring to God's judgment and his conduct during this crime. A flaw with this interpretation is that suicide should never be an option if he's considering this in religious terms (97)

Why is Razumikhin certain that Mikolay is innocent? (135-136)

Because he believes in his story. Mikolay is a drunkard, a childish man, who could hardly go from murdering to physically play fighting with his friend in front of ten witnesses in a span of mere minutes (99).

What is Razumikhin's major criticism of the "modern" legal system? (136)

Up until now, psychology is not an admissible factor in court (96, 99).

Luzhin reveals he's staying with Lebeziatnikov, who rents under Mrs. Lippewechsel. These names are familiar to Raskolnikov. Where has he heard them before? (142, 11, 14)

The landlady is the same that rents to Marmeladov's family. The man is the one who beat his wife, Katerina, when she stood up to him about Sonya (12-13).

Why is Razumikhin so certain the murderer wasn't clever, and was in fact quite inexperienced? (145)

He misses the most valuable object in the house, 1500 cash in her upper dresser drawer. He "didn't know how to rob; he only knew how to murder" (106).

What does Raskolnikov mean when he tells Luzhin, "If you took what you were preaching awhile ago to its logical conclusion, it would turn out people can be done away with"? (146-147, 144)

Luzhin was preaching his own philosophy of self-interest somehow bettering society. Self-interest, taken to its logical conclusion, would allow anything for the promotion of self, including murder (107).

On a walk, Raskolnikov encounters a conglomeration of women of varying ages. Almost all of them have a black eye. Why are these women beaten? (152)

They are prostitutes who consort with a clientele of poor, drunken men. Whether over anger from their state of poverty, or from the alcoholic stupors that let them hide momentarily from the pangs of life (i.e. Marmeladov), they bear the physical brunt of their client's frustrations

What is Raskolnikov juxtaposing, when he brings up that anecdote about the man condemned to die, who would rather live on a square yard of space, forever, rather than die at the moment? Why does Raskolnikov call both himself and man a scoundrel? (153)

Raskolnikov is making a parallel to the depths of depravity these prostitutes will subject themselves to (beatings, begging) for survival's sake, and how a condemned man will do just the same (accept horrible conditions over death). Man is a scoundrel for the indignities he will suffer merely for survival, and Raskolnikov is a scoundrel for daring to judge anyone, given that he too has sunken to a horribly immoral state (he has committed a double murder), due to his needs for survival (111).

What strange topic does Raskolnikov keep pressing while talking with Zamiotov in the bar? Why does he do this? (155-156)

He keeps bringing up the old woman's murder, and keeps hinting how Zamiotov should be suspicious of him. His reasoning isn't clear, it's perhaps one of two things: either he thinks Zamiotov suspects him, and he wants to admit it, or he has such a feeling of guilt for getting away with what he did, he wishes punishment for the deed. Or a third reason: he wants to throw them off the trail by humiliation

In their conversation about a recent arrest of counterfeiters, Zamiotov refers to them as swindlers, but Raskolnikov takes exception, calling them "blanc-becs," or greenhorns (novices). Give two reasons Raskolnikov thinks they must be amateurs. (159-160)

They trusted too many people, the mark of an amateur. And the description of their fear during the committal of the crime—a true professional would give no such clue away as to his awkwardness of the moment

Zamiotov disagrees with Raskolnikov on one major issue regarding the committal of a crime. He says, "When it comes to crime, even a hardened and desperate man can't always vouch for himself." What does he mean? (157-158)

For most of us, the nature of crime is abhorrent, and somewhere along the way, one's discomfort with the immoral act serves as a cue to a perspicacious observer, giving your intentions away (115)

What cleverness does Zamiotov show in his conversation (or you could read it as an "interrogation") with Raskolnikov about the old woman's murder? (159)

He is already suspicious about Raskolnikov. He asks him how HE would have handled himself, as the murderer, in a way different than his insulting prediction (116).

What detail(s) does Dostoyevsky give the reader to alert him/her that Zamiotov does not consider their conversation to be purely hypothetical? (159-160)

He shudders at Raskolnikov's answers. He alternatively can't meet his gaze and stares too intently. His comments on madness are more about Raskolnikov's brazenness to admit what he says, rather than the quality of his ideas. Zametov turns white as a sheet and concludes that Petrovich is a "blockhead" (115-117)

How is Raskolnikov able to shift the awkward conversation to his advantage? (160)

He pretends it is simply an intellectual exercise, to show how ridiculous the man's suspicions are. He embarrasses him into relenting his pursuit of the connection. In a way, he "over-confesses" to make it seem ludicrous (116-117).

What event does Raskolnikov observe on Voznesensky Bridge? How does it affect him and his resolve? (163-165)

He sees a woman attempt to kill herself. He feels indifferent, even disgusted, by it. He relates it to his own options and feels it isn't worth it. He'd rather have his small square yard of space (from the parallel he drew earlier) and turn himself in. He decides to go to the police station (119-120).

Why does Katherine Ivanovna have long coughing fits in her home? (171)

She's consumptive, but in addition, tobacco smoke from adjacent rooms filters into where the family is staying (125).

What is the strange feeling of inner satisfaction that the narrator describes which he claims is concomitant to leaving a scene of a sudden accident, regardless of one's degree of connection to the victim(s)? (174)

The feeling is one of survival, of knowing it wasn't you, and finding a new lease on life in the face of mortality (127).

What sacrifice does Raskolnikov make for Katherine's family? Why might he have a "debt" to his "late friend"? (180)

He gives them 20 rubles. Perhaps he sees a parallel to his own situation, and whereas he can't right things with Dunya (how she sacrifices herself for her family, like Sonya), his money can improve things here and help Katerina bury Marmeladov (130-131).

What has renewed Raskolnikov's determination to go on living, and not turn himself in? (181-182)

He is probably encouraged by a number of things: confronting death and the aftereffects it has on a family, Katerina's strange devotion to her drunkard of a husband, Sonya's sacrificial love for her father and younger siblings, and Polyenka's innocence and unexpected affection. He feels encouraged that he is able to do something to help, not just to harm, and he likely sees a parallel between Sonya's sacrifice for her family and the sacrifice his own sister is making in marrying Luzhin (131-133).

What does Raskolnikov insist upon towards his sister in order to get her to promise him not to marry Peter Petrovich Luzhin? (191)

He tells her to choose between them—either she gives Luzhin the boot, or he will not acknowledge her as his sister (138).

What "friendly favor" does Razumikhin ask of Zosimov? Why does he ask him to do it? (199-202)

He wants Zosimov to win the landlady's affections. Apparently she'll be happy with anyone. He tells her how to seduce her because he's smitten by Dunya and needs to be free of the landlady, whom he had previously courted (145-146).

Berating himself, Razumikhin utters the phrase, "in vino veritas," which means that when drunk, people tell the truth. What truth has he embarrassingly spoken?

He attacked Luzhin's character without knowing Dunya's true feelings. He unfairly criticized him about the rooms. Basically he's given voice to his jealousy and revealed his feelings (147).

Why won't Razumikhin shave? (203-204)

He's worried Dunya will think he did it on purpose to try and win her over. He's also ashamed of his conduct yesterday (his "saloon manners") and ashamedly feels he should act the part (147).

What insight does Pulcheria give us about Raskolnikov's character, even at 15? (208)

He's moody and capricious. He would do something no one would think of doing, such as his sudden betrothal to Mrs. Zarnitsyn's daughter (151).

What's happened to Svidrailov's wife, Martha Petrovna? How might this be significant to later events in the story? (213, 219)

She's died (possibly of being beaten). This frees up Svidrigailov, her former employer who so shamed the family, to pursue Dunya again (154, 23-25).

What hints does Dostoyevsky leave for the "shrewd observer" that what Raskolnikov is telling his family and friends is not genuinely how he feels, but more what they wish to hear? (214-217)

The narrator says that Raskolnikov is "conceal[ing] the feeling's of yesterday's monomaniac" (155). His smile is described as "mocking" (156). The narrator also notes that what Rodion is expressing is the opposite of sentimentality. Dunya notices that he's speaking as if rehearsing. He's ceremonious, controlled, wounded, hiding his feelings (157).

Why does Rodion tell his mother, "If you only knew, Mother dear, what a queer thought you expressed now..."? (222-223)

She calls his apartment like a coffin, of course resonating his own recent experiences with death. She says it is "half the reason" he's become depressed, little does she know the other half (161).

What does Dunia say that so astonishes Raskolnikov? (225)

That ultimately, she is only harming herself in marrying Luzhin for money. She hasn't committed an unpardonable sin, such as murder, which is a sobering and frightening thought for Rodion, who has (162).

What does the meeting between Sonia, Pulcheria, and Dunia reveal about each of their characters? (227-230)

Sonya feels ashamed to be in the company of women of higher, more "proper" society than herself. Pulcheria squints at her, showing her distaste for Sonia's profession. Dunya is simply amazed, but not condescending or judgmental towards her. Sonya is stricken by the amount of Raskolnikov's sacrifice for her family, especially when confronted with his living condition. Pulcheria doesn't say goodbye to Sonia, yet Dunia bows to her respectfully, which makes Sonya blush deeply (165-167).

What new information is given about the items Raskolnikov pawned? (232-233)

The ring was his sister's, and a keepsake to him. The watch is the only item left the family owns from his father (168).

What does Pulcheria fear about Sonia? (232)

That she and Rodion are romantically linked. "She must mean something to him," she says

Why is it important that Raskolnikov correct Razumikhin when he calls Sonia "Ivanovna" instead of "Semionovna"?

It is a tribute to his friend's memory. Marmeladov, not Ivan, is her true father (168).

Why does Raskolnikov deem it so important to make a big joke before entering Porfiry Petrovich's apartment? (238-239)

He's trying to create a certain appearance of normalcy, of natural even carefree behavior (172-173).

What plagues Raskolnikov's mind during his first meeting with Porfiry Petrovich? (240-246)

He thinks Porfiry winked at him. He wonders how much he really knows about him.

What, according to Razumikhin, is the socialist perspective on the nature of crime?

It is a response to one's environment, a protest to the abnormality of the social order. Human beings are naturally well-wired, so in a better system, they would flourish and not commit crime at all (178).

What does Razumikhin tell us about the degree of Porfiry's seriousness? (249-250)

He will go to any lengths to find out the truth about something he is trying to find out.

What is Porfiry's take on Raskolnikov's article "On Crime"? How does Raskolnikov correct his "misconception"? (251)

In the article "On Crime", Porfiry thinks that extraordinary people are allowed to transgress the law as the laws aren't made for them and they are made for ordinary people. Raskolnikov then says that extraordinary people choose to break the law in order to benefit mankind.

What's Porfiry's "little question" for Raskolnikov? (255)

His "little question" was if Raskolnikov considered himself to be one of those extraordinary people.

How does Porfiry attempt to "trap" Raskolnikov? (255-256)

He asks him about the painters being there at the time of his visit. According to Rodion's story, he was there days before, when there weren't any painters.

How does Svidrigailov defend his actions regarding his pursuit of Dunia while married? (270)

He claims to be a slave to passion, a human weakness, and even entertains the idea that he is the true victim (195).

Why does Raskolnikov get defensive when Svidrigailov suggests that "they have a certain something in common"? (275)

Suggests to Raskolnikov an imputation of murder, or blackmail. Svidrigailov has, to some degree, caused the death of his wife, as Rask has clearly caused the death of the pawnbroker and her sister. Furthermore, he fins Svidrigailov repulsive, not extraordinary, and he so desperately wants to be extraordinary

What's been plaguing Svidrigailov lately? (275-277)

He's been visited three times by Martha Petrovna's ghost. He has been thinking about ghosts and death a great deal. However, it isn't the first time he has seen a shot (199-200).

What's the "voyage" that Svidrigailov refers to? Consider the preparations he mentions for it, and the nature of the other questions he's been asking.

(278-281)

He pauses before he says it (mark the ellipses), which could be emphasizing its symbolic meaning. His children have been left with an aunt. He's not needed. He wishes to finish all sorts of business with everyone. He won't need wealth. It is implied that he is contemplating suicide (202-203). Later, when Rask asks him about it, he responds "If only you knew what you were asking!", and that seems to support this interpretation (204).

How did Martha force Svidrigailov to marry her? (273)

She took control of his debt (he owed 70,000 silver and was jailed for it). She bought him out for 30,000, and kept the documents of his remaining debt as a way to keep him in his place. He doesn't seem to mind terribly (198).