Crime and Punishment Flashcards

Svidrigailov's Visit

  • Svidrigailov arrives uninvited, wanting to discuss Dunya.
  • He denies involvement in Marfa Petrovna’s death, claiming pure intentions.
  • Offers Dunya 10,000 rubles and reveals she inherited 3,000 rubles in Marfa's will.
  • Mentions seeing Marfa’s ghost, making Raskolnikov question his sanity.
  • Razumikhin encounters Svidrigailov on the stairs as he leaves.

Restaurant Confrontation

  • Raskolnikov and Razumikhin meet Luzhin, Dunya, and Pulcheria at a restaurant.
  • Luzhin attempts to insult Raskolnikov and cast doubt on Svidrigailov.
  • Raskolnikov admits to meeting Svidrigailov and sharing inheritance news, shocking everyone.
  • A heated argument leads to Dunya breaking off her engagement with Luzhin.
  • Luzhin leaves, blaming Raskolnikov.

Family Separation

  • The group celebrates Luzhin’s departure, but Raskolnikov withdraws emotionally.
  • He tells his mother and Dunya he must separate from them permanently.
  • Razumikhin offers to protect Dunya from Svidrigailov and suggests they stay in Petersburg.
  • Raskolnikov leaves alone; Razumikhin realizes Raskolnikov is the murderer.

Sonia’s Room

  • Raskolnikov visits Sonia’s apartment; she’s startled but lets him in.
  • They discuss Katerina Ivanovna’s declining health and Sonia’s loyalty.
  • Sonia reveals she was friends with Lizaveta, the murdered pawnbroker’s sister.
  • Raskolnikov asks Sonia to read the story of Lazarus from the Bible, symbolizing resurrection and his desire for redemption.
  • He hints at his crime, saying she’ll soon know who killed Lizaveta.
  • Svidrigailov secretly listens from the next room.

Visit to Porfiry Petrovich

  • Raskolnikov visits Porfiry at the police station.
  • They have a tense discussion about guilt, psychology, and “extraordinary men.” Porfiry subtly presses Raskolnikov, suspecting him.
  • Raskolnikov becomes frustrated and challenges Porfiry to arrest him or let him go.

Unexpected Confession

  • Nikolai, the house painter, falsely confesses to the murders.
  • Porfiry appears skeptical but lets Raskolnikov go temporarily.
  • Outside, Porfiry says they’ll speak again, maintaining pressure.
  • Raskolnikov realizes he nearly confessed.
  • A man who previously called him a murderer now expresses sympathy after overhearing the police.
  • Raskolnikov feels relief and fragile hope.

Luzhin’s Scheme

  • Luzhin is bitter about his broken engagement with Dunya and blames Raskolnikov.
  • He regrets his spending and thinks he could have won them over with more gifts.
  • Luzhin plans to embarrass Sonya by inviting her to his apartment and discreetly giving her a ten-ruble note.

Disastrous Memorial Dinner

  • The narrator describes Katerina’s pride and obsession with the dinner’s grandeur.
  • The dinner turns chaotic: Lower-class tenants behave rudely, Katerina coughs blood, and insults are hurled.
  • Katerina fights with her landlady.
  • Luzhin arrives during the commotion.

Luzhin’s Plan Backfires

  • Luzhin accuses Sonya of stealing 100 rubles, brushing aside Katerina.
  • Katerina publicly searches Sonya and finds the 100-ruble note, shocking everyone.
  • Lebezyatnikov exposes Luzhin, revealing he saw him plant the money.
  • Raskolnikov explains Luzhin’s motive was to humiliate him.
  • Luzhin fails to defend himself and leaves in disgrace.
  • The Marmeladovs are evicted after the continued fighting.

Raskolnikov’s Confession to Sonia

  • Raskolnikov visits Sonia and tells her her family has been evicted.
  • Raskolnikov confesses the murders to Sonia.
  • He explains his motive was ambition, to become “another Napoleon,” not poverty.
  • Sonia responds with compassion and urges him to confess publicly for redemption.
  • Raskolnikov resists, then agrees.
  • Sonia gives him a cross pendant to symbolize shared suffering.
  • Lebezyatnikov interrupts them.

Free Response Questions and Answers

  • Why does Luzhin frame Sonya instead of directly attacking Raskolnikov or Dunya?
    • Luzhin frames Sonya to indirectly humiliate Raskolnikov by discrediting someone close to him. This highlights his cowardice, as he targets the vulnerable instead of his real enemy.
  • How does Katerina Ivanovna’s behavior during the memorial dinner reflect broader themes in the novel?
    • Katerina’s attempts to assert her “noble” status showcase pride amidst suffering. She clings to illusions of grandeur despite her collapsing health and social standing, illustrating themes of delusion, class consciousness, and human dignity under pressure.
  • What is significant about Raskolnikov’s motive for the murders, as confessed to Sonia?
    • Raskolnikov admitting he killed to test his theory of being an “extraordinary man” reveals his existential crisis and moral confusion. His actions stem from pride, isolation, and a desire to transcend societal rules, tying into themes of morality and alienation.
  • How does Sonia’s reaction to Raskolnikov’s confession contrast with what he expects?
    • Raskolnikov anticipates judgment, but Sonia responds with compassion, understanding, and faith. She sees his crime as spiritual sickness, surprising and unsettling him by challenging his worldview rooted in guilt and despair.
  • What does the exchange of the cross between Sonia and Raskolnikov symbolize?
    • The cross symbolizes shared suffering, spiritual burden, and the possibility of redemption. It marks Raskolnikov’s shift towards humility, confession, and human connection.

Chapter VI Summary

  • Raskolnikov is mentally and emotionally unwell.
  • Razumikhin confronts Raskolnikov’s selfishness.
  • A mysterious letter has been sent to Dunya, possibly from Svidrigailov.
  • Porfiry visits after Razumikhin leaves.

Chapter II

  • Porfiry directly accuses Raskolnikov: “You’re the murderer.”
  • He has no proof but is confident Raskolnikov will confess out of guilt.
  • Porfiry warns delaying confession could worsen his sentence.
  • He asks Raskolnikov to leave a note with the loot’s location if he dies.
  • Raskolnikov meets Svidrigailov, who taunts him and hints at his knowledge of the murder.
  • S. claims he’s engaged to a 15-year old, Raskolnikov becomes alarmed at Svidrigailov's intentions towards Dunya.

Chapter V

  • Svidrigailov lures Dunya to his room and reveals Raskolnikov’s guilt.
  • He tries to force her to marry him, locks the door and theatens rape.
  • Dunya pulls a gun, then shoots; he lets her go when she resist, Svidrigailov leaves with the gun and vanishes.

Chapter VI

  • Svidrigailov visits Sonya and gives money for her and her siblings.
  • He has disturbing dreams and plans to leave “for America.”
  • At dawn, he uses Dunya’s gun to commit suicide in front of a guard.

Chapter VII

  • Raskolnikov visits his mother, who idolizes him and is unaware of his crime.
  • He speaks with Dunya, who urges him to confess.
  • He claims he has nothing to be ashamed of—he only killed a “louse.”
  • Dunya’s horror prompts him to reconsider his moral stance.

Chapter VIII

  • Raskolnikov goes to Sonya to receive her cross, symbolizing redemption.
  • He almost backs out but is encouraged by Sonya’s silent presence.
  • At the police station, he hears of Svidrigailov’s death and panics.
  • Ultimately, he confesses to the murders.

Epilogue Analysis

  • Why does Raskolnikov struggle to feel genuine remorse during the early stages of his imprisonment? What does this suggest about his journey?
    • Raskolnikov struggles because he still sees himself as an extraordinary individual who committed a rational act. He doesn't fully accept the moral weight of his crime, viewing his punishment as societal rather than spiritual. This suggests his internal journey is incomplete.
  • How does Sonya’s presence in Siberia contrast with Raskolnikov’s internal darkness? What role does she serve in his transformation?
    • Sonya represents unconditional love, faith, and humility—virtues Raskolnikov has rejected. Her consistent compassion softens his defenses, catalyzing his emotional awakening and potential redemption. She is a moral compass and a symbol of grace through suffering.
  • Discuss the symbolism in Raskolnikov’s fever dream about the plague. What does it reveal about Dostoevsky’s view of pride, reason, and morality?
    • The dream symbolizes a world infected by pride and intellectual arrogance, reflecting Raskolnikov's earlier ideology. People believe in their own righteousness and turn against one another, revealing Dostoevsky’s warning that reason without faith or morality leads to chaos. It critiques ideologies rejecting empathy and human connection.
  • Why is Raskolnikov’s emotional breakdown so significant, even though it comes so late in the story? What does it mark in his arc?
    • The emotional breakdown signifies the beginning of true transformation. It's the first time Raskolnikov allows himself to feel, confronting the human pain he has caused. It marks his movement from alienation to connection and from rationalism to humility.
  • How does Dostoevsky suggest that salvation and redemption are achieved? Is it through intellect, punishment, faith, love, or something else?
    • Dostoevsky suggests salvation comes through a combination of suffering, love, humility, and faith. Intellect alone leads to pride and destruction. Punishment is necessary but insufficient without spiritual rebirth. Sonya’s faith and unconditional love become the pathway for Raskolnikov to heal.
  • What is the significance of the final line in the novel hinting at a “new story”? Why does Dostoevsky leave it at the beginning rather than the end of redemption?
    • The final line emphasizes that Raskolnikov’s true journey is just starting. His confession was a turning point, but real redemption takes time. Dostoevsky ends the novel here to stress that transformation is a process, not a moment.
  • Compare Raskolnikov’s mindset in the epilogue to his earlier theories about “extraordinary men.” How has he changed—or not changed?
    • Earlier, Raskolnikov believed “extraordinary men” could break moral laws for the greater good. In the epilogue, he begins to reject this belief as harmful and isolating. Though he has not fully renounced his theory, the seeds of doubt and self-awareness have taken root.
  • In what ways does the epilogue act as a moral resolution rather than just a legal one?
    • Legally, Raskolnikov was punished, but the true resolution is moral: the slow rebuilding of his soul. Dostoevsky was less interested in legal justice and more in spiritual redemption. The epilogue shows that external punishment means little without inner transformation. Through love and suffering, Raskolnikov begins to become human again.