Crime and Punishment Characters: Exploring the Complex Character of Raskolnikov

In Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, the main character, Raskolnikov is a complex character. Throughout the book it is evident that he has many different personality traits that are not only diverse but completely opposite. In fact the translation of his name means "schismatic" or divided. His personality is divided and he separates himself out of society, and relations.

When Raskolnikov is first introduced in the story he lives alone, in a room no bigger than a cupboard, in poverty and debt. All of these things seem to a very severe depressed state, where he separates himself from both reality and society. He seemed to be very devoted to his family as well. He wanted to protect his sister from her unsuited fiancé. His behavior seems to become somewhat detached over time. It is suggested that he probably has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tendencies. He precisely knows how many steps there are from one place to another. He has trouble keeping his thoughts organized and sensible. One of his walks led him to a tavern where he met a man named Marmeladov, who eventually became friends with.

He appeared to be very intelligent and thought of himself as more superior than others. He felt that was extraordinary and did not have to live obediently or obey the law. He actually wrote a paper describing this thought process. He believed that he was part of this elite group that could change the way the world was run. It was this thought process that eventually caused his to murder two people. He felt that he was above the law and that he didn't do anything wrong. The fact that he feels no guilt in his behavior and disregard to the law shows him to be a cold and inhumane person that lacks any empathy.

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However, after Marmeladov dies, Raskolnikov gives all his money to help the family pay for the funeral, which also shows that he is caring. Raskolnikov also meets Marmeladov's daughter, Sonia to whom he knows the moment he sees her that he wants to confess his crime to her. However as the story goes along, the reader sees that he became subjected to severe paranoia. His thoughts continued to be very erratic and he seemed to struggle with his actions. He thought he was going to get caught and detaches himself from others. All except Sonia who vows to always follow him no matter where he goes. He then realizes that he is in love with her and to listen to reason. As she is the one who convinces him to turn himself in and turn to believing not only in God but in her as well. At the end of the book Raskolnikov seeks redemption and seemed to see things in a different light; as he is excited to have only seven more years left until they can be together at last.

As the reader can see Raskolnikov is a very complicated character with many different characteristics. On one hand he seems to be a very humble and selfless person that would do anything to help someone. One the other hand he is the complete opposite with a very cold and apathetic attitude, who thinks he is superior to others. It is easy to see through his thoughts and actions that he might have had some type of split personality disorder.

Sources

1. Dostoyevsky, Fyodor, Sidney Monas, Leonard J. Stanton, and James D. Hardy. Crime and Punishment. New York: Signet Classic, 1999. Print.
2. "Crime and Punishment Characters." Crime and Punishment Characters. Grade Saver, n.d. Web. 8 July 2015. <http://www.gradesaver.com/crime-and-punishment/study- guide/character-list>
3. "Analysis of Major Characters - Raskolnikov." SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 9 July
   2015. <http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crime/canalysis.html>.
4. "Crime and Punishment By Fyodor Dostoevsky Character Analysis Rodion Romanovitch
5. Raskolnikov." Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov. Cliff Notes, n.d. Web. 9 July 2015.
6. <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/c/crime-and-punishment/character- analysis/rodion-romanovitch-raskolnikov>.

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