ipl-logo

Psychological Sanity Essay

1596 Words7 Pages

Brandon Banks
AP Literature Per. 3
Mr. Backen
9 November 2015
The Psychological Sanity The nature of human sanity is one theory that has sent authors on a never-ending journey that balances between reality and fantasy; thus, each book begs the reader to answer the question of where each protagonist falls. Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, published in 1866 is one of the first novels to explicitly examine the psychological phases that a criminal encounters beginning with the crime and exploring the punishment. However, Dostoevsky wrote this 542 paged novel with an inquisitive methodology, he presented the ruinously brutal crime within in the first few chapters, and then he followed by an extended maniacal punishment. Dostoevsky …show more content…

At this moment in the novel, the repressed Raskolnikov has confessed to Sofya “Sonia” Marmeladov about the murders: he has killed the pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna and her sister, Lizaveta Ivanovna. Yet, his confession’s sincerity is questioned as he follows by stating a denial that only an empty depraved man would divulge. Specifically, he states, “But how did I murder her? Is that how men do murders” Do men go to commit a murder as I went then? I will tell you some day how I went! Did I murder the old woman? I murdered myself, not her! I crushed myself once for all, for ever … But it was the devil that killed that old woman, not I.” (Pg. …show more content…

In addition, this passage includes a particular statement Dostoevsky utilizes specific diction in the second part of the passage as he displays two attributes of Raskolnikov, which are his ignorance and narcissism. Lastly, the third part of the passage illustrates Raskolnikov’s denial of any personal activity or involvement with the murders, but rather he was possessed by the devil. Furthermore, an exploration of the first part of the passage will show the true essence that Dostoevsky illustrated within in those four questions. These four questions exist to allow the reader to gain an insight on Raskolnikov’s mind. The first question – “But how did I murder her?” – emphasizes that he doesn’t believe that he murdered the woman; in spite of the fact that if the reader glances back at the real crime one would see that it was not just one woman, it was the pawnbroker and her sister. Dostoevsky utilizes specific diction to stress the actual mental state of Raskolnikov with the use of “her” rather than “them” or “both women”, as to present the assumption that he is insane. The second

Show More
Related
1505 Words | 7 Pages

After committing his crime, Raskolnikov instantly feels “horror and loathing of what he had done… He … [does not go] to the box or even into the room for anything,” (Dostoevsky, 108) instead Raskolnikov immediately begins to, “[wash] his hands and the axe” (109). This presents his mental suffering through his immediate reaction of guilt. As Raskolnikov physically washes his “axe with the blade in the water, and his hands in the bucket …” (109) he is metaphorically cleansing himself from his sin as if participating in a baptism. This presents Raskolnikov’s immediate suffering for his crime as he seems very eager to remove all traces of the blood.

Read More
622 Words | 3 Pages

Raskolnikov shows his ambiguous morality with almost everything he does. Prior to murdering the pawnbroker and her sister, he thought he would be able to keep it together and stay calm. Right after, and even while committing the murder, he starts to become paranoid and restless. Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov goes through phases where he switches from being in a conscious state, into a state of unconsciousness. Raskolnikov is also a very forgetful person, but also tends to overthink things, which contrasts and could/does make him paranoid about his crimes and the thought of others finding out.

Read More
1372 Words | 6 Pages

Fyodor Dostoevsky's 19th century novel Crime and Punishment explores the psychological torture and moral dilemmas that the main character Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov faces after he murders a pawnbroker and her sister. All of the characters in the novel face troubles and suffer as a result of them, however all characters do not respond to their difficulties in the same manner. Through the use of foils, which is a literary device in which one character is contrasted with another in order to emphasis particular qualities in the other, Dostoevsky explores character's various responses to difficult situations.

Read More
589 Words | 3 Pages

6) One of the defining characteristics of Raskolnikov's morality is his belief in the necessity of sacrificing one for the benefit of many. Throughout the novel, he repeats his theory of “extraordinary people” who are justified in committing extraordinary acts for the greater good of society, even if these acts are murder. He believes that he is such an extraordinary person, or at least wants to prove to himself that he is one, and this justifies his murdering two women. This belief is unethical and immoral, as it goes against both societal norms and the conventional morality of right and wrong.

Read More
931 Words | 4 Pages

Raskolnikov 's act of violence is what causes him to go insane, impacts the lives of the people around him, and finally violence is Raskolnikov’s way of proving himself as an above-average individual. Dostoyevsky used violence to change the course of not only Raskolnikov’s life but also the lives of the people around him. The story shows how one man 's image of himself as a higher being can cause him to commit violent acts, which impact everyone around

Read More
759 Words | 4 Pages

In fyodor dostoevsky’s “ Crime and Punishment”, The central character Raskolnikov Experiences a change in character, which later on will also change his opinion on crime as well. Raskolnikov’s conversation with Sonia allows him to experience a new outlook on the crime he has committed. Dostoyevsky’s writing closely follows the idea of “The Overman” otherwise know as the “Ubermensch”. This theory originally published by german philosopher Nietzsche is expressed in Raskolnikov’s article “on crime”. In part V, Porfiry is keen to understand what Raskolnikov intended to say with this article.

Read More
1875 Words | 8 Pages

Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s nineteenth-century Russian novel Crime and Punishment uses suffering as a major theme that affects Rodion Romanovick Raskolnikov and Sonya

Read More
2426 Words | 10 Pages

In the novel existentialism and isolationism are interpreted through different writing styles, personal taste of the the translator, historical and social context, as well as Dostoevsky’s personal views and experiences. Notes from Underground can be interpreted in many different ways. Some find it tragic, some find it funny. It can be difficult to say what tone the novel is intended to have. Escpecially when translations of the novel can differ so greatly.

Read More
1652 Words | 7 Pages

But he is a sophisticated and intelligent neurotic” (Peterson 37:52-38:19) In Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, four dreams take place that concern the protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov. Each dream continues through the next, which illustrates the magnitude of the dreams in depicting and deconstructing the complex psychology behind Raskolnikov. Dostoyevsky utilizes the dreams to stimulate an intriguing

Read More
1591 Words | 7 Pages

His existential crisis is further exacerbated by his exaggerated thanatophobia, or fear of death, which forces him to confront the ultimate consequences of his choices. Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov's anxiety serves as a catalyst for introspection, leading him to the realization that murder is merely a temporary solution to the everlasting problem of poverty- his reason for murdering the pawnbroker. Dostoevsky’s rich psychological insight and vivid imagery portrays mortality as an inescapable reality that compels characters to confront the complexities of human nature and wrestle with the eternal questions of life, death, and the ironic possibility of redemption. Raskolnikov's journey towards redemption is rife with irony, stemming from his staunch belief in his own superiority, even amidst his dire poverty, which he uses to justify his heinous crime of murder. Initially resistant to the notion of moral redemption, Raskolnikov's gradual realization of the weight of his actions propels him towards a path of repentance and self-discovery, leading him to grapple with his conscience and seek solace in

Read More
1405 Words | 6 Pages

All I managed to do was kill (III. IV).” Raskolnikov cannot suppress the force of guilt weighing upon his conscience, and ultimately confesses his complicity in the crime to the police. Seeking to operate outside the confines of his conscience and societal law, Raskolnikov is driven to madness by the impossibility of his quest—cruelty simply cannot be countenanced so long as it remains in opposition to social

Read More
1045 Words | 5 Pages

Before he had isolated himself by choice, but now it’s as if he doesn’t have an option anymore. Raskolnikov has done something so wrong that he no longer feels like a member of humanity, which is why he specifies a “human word”. Raskolnikov’s guilt comes from the need to rejoin society. That is why his guilt fluctuates so much, but becomes much worse when his rationale for the murder is put into question. In part 3 chapter 6, Raskolnikov has a dream, in which he tries to kill Alyona but fails and she laughs at him.

Read More
1142 Words | 5 Pages

The function of religion is a very important yet subtle theme in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, and is presented through the novel’s characters and their various associations with religious allusions. The presence of religion in the novel offers a unique paradox; on one hand, the text circulates around a godless person who committed a reprehensible and sinful crime, while on the other hand the importance of religion and how each individual understands it is emphasized. Due to this, the idea of ‘Holy Sinners’ arises, in which there are characters that take part in appalling actions, but symbolize purity as well. The most prominent characters to demonstrate this paradoxical take on religion are Sonya, for her being praised for her purity but shunned for her occupation, and Raskolnikov, for committing a terrible crime but coming to terms with it in the end. First and foremost, a character that displays this paradoxical view of necessary wrongdoing is the saintly prostitute, Sonya Marmeladov.

Read More
1588 Words | 7 Pages

Raskolnikov confronts reality and can never again legitimize his activities in light of political perspectives. The writer of Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky composed this book uncovering some of his own perspectives on legislative issues and consolidating them all through the story. Like Raskolnikov, Dostoyevsky was captured by the administration and punished for his offense. He was rebuffed for his radical communist positions, just to later reject these thoughts. Through the story, the creator fuses a solid message of exactly how intense the legislature is and the solid impact of governmental issues.

Read More
1052 Words | 5 Pages

Saint Petersburg, the setting of Crime and Punishment, plays a major role in the formation in Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s acclaimed novel. Dostoyevsky’s novels focus on the theme of man as a subject of his environment. Dostoyevsky paints 1860s St. Petersburg as an overcrowded, filthy, and chaotic city. It is because of Saint Petersburg that Raskolnikov is able to foster in his immoral thoughts and satisfy his evil inclinations. It is only when Raskolnikov is removed from the disorderly city and taken to the remoteness of Siberia that he can once again be at peace.

Read More

More about Psychological Sanity Essay

Related Topics

Open Document