Prakash Amarasooriya and Nightingale Ho
Ms. Price
ENG4U7
October, 23rd, 2009
Ordinary man Vs Extraordinary Man Theory
Explained
Dostoyevsky uses Crime and Punishment as a tool in order to present the
Extraordinary man theory as absurd with the use of his characters. The manifestations of
the ordinary and extraordinary man are primarily evident within Raskolnikov’s character,
although there are certain characters that portray one of the two halves of the theory. The
book depicts the Extraordinary man theory as flawed and improbable, which is ironic due
to the protagonist dedicating his life to the extraordinary man referred to in the theory.
Dostoyevsky satires the Extraordinary man theory by using characters that try to
become the Extraordinary Man; however they only possess characteristics of the
extraordinary, however none of them will embody it.
The Extraordinary Man Theory states that an ordinary man can never surpass the
law. The exception is the extraordinary one born in every few hundred thousand who can
transgress the law to influence humanity. An ordinary man must live in submission and
they are only alive to spread the species, therefore making them inferior. An
extraordinary man has the right to commit any crime. This right is an inner right, not an
official one, decided by their conscience to overstep obstacles. Also, a man is not
considered extraordinary until he transgresses the law for they are to use their skills to
“move the world” (Doestoyesky, 243). As a result of believing they can change the world,
they usually have increased egos.
There are many alternate/counter theories to the “Extraordinary Man” ideology.
The Conformed Extraordinary Man theory explains that everyone is extraordinary
however most become ordinary because of the rules of society overpower their ability to
break the rules by making them follow the law. The true extraordinary people are those
not yet conformed and do not accept the laws. Young people, who are not used to the
rules, are an example of this. The polar opposite to this concept is the nihilist theory that
says that no one is extraordinary and that everyone must abide by the law. The last
philosophy is that of the Accidental Extraordinary Man theory, in which an extraordinary
man is created through experiencing a traumatic event. Prime examples are classic comic
book villains (i.e. Joker, Two-Face, etc) and some heroes (i.e. Batman). Their emotional
condition makes them gain the inner right to transgress the law to save humanity from the
pain that they have suffered.
Out of these three counter theories, Dostoyevsky believes in the Nihilist theory.
This led to the formation of our thesis statement. He believes that everyone is the same,
however their pride and ego believe otherwise. His characters all possess pride/ego which
provides some with the motive to exceeding their “ordinary” limits.
Raskolnikov is a prime candidate for an extraordinary man; he committed a crime
that is against the law. However, his guilt and conscience can be considered that of an
ordinary man as he fears the law. An extraordinary man does not have to fear the law
since they believe that the law they will create is the only perfect law, and no other law
can keep them contained. His guilt and conscience result in his eventual confession of his
crime and this signifies that he is duty-bound. Raskolnikov’s dual identity comprises of
the ordinary and extraordinary man. His narcissistic and existentialist side can be seen as
the extraordinary man due to his characteristics confirming his idea that the murder of
Alyona is for the greater good, and “not a crime” (Dostoyevsky, 69). On the other hand,
his compassionate and sympathetic side could be judged as the ordinary man, as he is
duty-bound to his feelings. This further encourages the reader to regard the ordinary man
to be more desired than the extraordinary man as the ordinary man represents the good in
Raskolnikov while the extraordinary side lures him into insanity.
Svidrigailov, one of Raskolnikov’s foils, considers himself to be an extraordinary
man. He also commits crimes (the relations and rapes he had with young girls), however
unlike Raskolnikov, he does not hide nor be ashamed of his actions. Nevertheless, he
seeks redemption which some can perceive as his death and an extraordinary man would
not have to redeem himself, for every action he makes is the right one.
Razumihin is a man with various extraordinary qualities (“exceptionally goodhumoured and candid youth, good-natured to the point of simplicity…extremely
intelligent…no limit to his drinking powers) (Dostoyevsky, 50). However, he strongly
believes in the law and would not transgress it. A man is not considered extraordinary
until he transgress the law. While Razumihin has the greatest tools at his disposal, until
he commits an action against the law, he cannot be considered anything but ordinary.
Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin is the wealthy “saviour” of the Raskolnikov family. His
ego makes him believes his wealth makes him extraordinary. While this may be
considered a great quality by Luzhin, it is not one of the criteria listed by Dostoyevsky.
On pages 241-246, the extraordinary man theory is explained in great detail.
Raskolnikov explains his article to Porfiry Petrovitch where he defines the regulations of
being an extraordinary man. Porfiry provides counterarguments that are critical of the
theory, which is ironically what Dostoyevsky favours more than the theory. The main
problem of this theory is that extraordinary men are allowed to kill people as long as that
“bloodshed- often of innocent persons fighting bravely in defence of ancient law- were of
use to their cause.” (Dostoevsky, 242) This can pose a problem for those people believing
themselves to be more than ordinary and commit crimes for “their cause”. Those who
fight back in defence of the old law would either have to conform to the extraordinary
man’s beliefs or die. Evidently, the theory is not popular today.
This makes it difficult to find modern day examples of those that can be
contemplated as extraordinary. Newton would not be considered extraordinary for his
laws of gravity; he only discovered them, and did not create them and is duty-bound.
However, a law does not always have to refer as the judicial system. Contracts with
people and following rules outlined by companies and corporations are regarded as laws.
Celebrity Kanye West has been noted for his outrageous behaviour at award shows that
break several contracts of media release. While he may have “transgressed the law”, he is
still duty-bound as he apologizes for his actions, and therefore is attempting redemption.
It seems that an extraordinary person is hard to come by. They must follow
specific criteria and break the rules in favour of their cause. Dostoyevsky believes that
there are no extraordinary people and he uses the novel as a form of satire of those who
believe that they are extraordinary. His characters are aware of the Extraordinary man
theory and some choose to follow that theory. This decision leads to their demise and be
seen as a warning for those who believe themselves to be above the law.
Bibliography
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Dostoyevsky, Fyoder. Crime and Punishment. Bantam Books, 1866. 592. Print.