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How Does Crime And Punishment Impact Raskolnikov's Life

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Positive or negative, the ways in which an individual’s life is impacted by significant events are prominent and plentiful. Fyodor Dostoyevsky proves this statement to be true in his novel Crime and Punishment. Crime and Punishment exemplifies the impact of a particular event on one’s life through the life of Rodion Raskolnikov. One of the first life changing experiences Rodion has in Crime and Punishment is his introduction to Semyon Marmeladov. Marmeladov is a former government civil service clerk who has lost his position due to his destructive alcoholism. During this initial encounter between Marmeladov and Raskolnikov in a tavern, drunk marmeladov tells Raskolnikov of his tragic and problematic life, which impacts Raskolnikov’s life greatly. …show more content…

Raskolnikov is on his way to the police station when he witnesses drunk Marmeladov fall under a carriage; Marmeladov is unable to survive his terrible injuries and dies in the presence of his family and Raskolnikov. During this calamitous event, an interesting parallel occurs: after helping Marmeladov, Raskolnikov finds himself covered in blood; just as he found himself after murdering Alyona. However, unlike his repulsed response to Alyona’s blood; Marmeladov’s blood gives Raskolnikov the will to live. This is a drastic shift in Raskolnikov’s mindset, as he has been in a complete lethargic and melancholic state since, and even before, the murder. Raskolnikov has an immediate change in attitude after Marmeladov’s death, deciding he no longer wants to be a prisoner of his illness and that he is ready to truly live his life. Raskolnikov states: "Life is real! haven't I lived just now? My life has not yet died with that old woman!” The stark contrast between Raskolnikov’s new excitement for life, and his previous mindset that even lead him to consider suicide, demonstrates how much an event can affect one’s …show more content…

Raskolnikov is attracted to the suffering of Sonya, who carries the weight of her family’s hardships on her shoulders. Raskolnikov and Sonya meet when Marmeladov dies, and their relationship continues to develop quickly over the following days. The introduction of Sonia into Raskolnikov’s life is extremely important for Raskolnikov, as he has been isolated and lacking real human connection for quite some time. This relationship is so powerful and meaningful to Raskolnikov that it compels him to confess his crimes to Sonia. Through his words, his daughter, and his death, Marmeladov’s impact on Raskolnikov proves how much a person or event can change one’s

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