Crime and Punishment, journal 1, I.
Raskolnikov has often been described as a character with a dual nature. He is capable of exhibiting the best of
human nature and the worst. In the first several chapters, what positive characteristics do you see him exhibit?
What negative characteristics? Do you think this “dual nature” is typical of human beings or the exception?
OR
What is Raskolniknov’s main conflict? What avenues does he have to overcome the obstacles he faces? In
what ways are the obstacles he faces similar to Marmeledov’s?
Crime and Punishment, journal 2
Do you think Raskolnikov will be revealed as the murderer of the pawnbroker and Lizaveta? If not, why not?
If so, how do you think it will be revealed (witnesses, evidence, confession, etc.)?
OR
How would you describe Raskolnikov’s action in these chapters? What do you think is their cause? What do
you think will be the consequences?
OR
Does your impression of Luzhin confirm or contradict your previous impression of him?
Crime and Punishment, journal 3
How do you think the arrival of Raskolnikov’s mother and sister will complicate the plot and ideas presented so
far in the novel?
AND/OR
How is Raskolnikov’s sister different from and/or similar to the image you previously had of her?
AND/OR
Why do you think Razumikhin goes out of his way to assist Raskolnikov and his family? How are he and
Raskolnikov similar? How are they different?
Crime and Punishment, journal 4
In III. 5, Raskolnikov’s essay with his “extraordinary man” theory is revealed? What do you think of the ideas
he presents in this essay? Do you think it explains his motivation for his crime?
OR
How do you think Svidrigailov’s presence in Petersburg complicates the action and/or ideas in the novel? What
do you think Svidrigailov’s motives are?
Crime and Punishment, journal 6
Do you think Porfiry Petrovich knows Raskolnikov committed the crime? If yes, how do you think he knows?
Do you think his questioning of Raskolnikov is meant to make him confess or incriminate himself? If so, do
you think this approach will work? Why or why not?
OR
Why do you think Raskolnikov is so tormented by his crime? Does this contradict his earlier thoughts and/or
actions?
OR
How is Svidrigailov similar to the other characters in the text? How is he different? How do you think his
character complicates or will complicate the ideas in the text?
Crime and Punishment, journal 7, end of text
If this book is Dostoevsky’s response to nihilism, what is his message?
OR
Do you think Raskolnikov redeems himself at the end of the text?
OR
If the text is proposing another model for the “extraordinary man,” what is that model and who in the novel
best exemplifies this ideal?
OR
What do you think is the dominant theme of this text?
OR
What awareness comes to Raskolnikov that makes him change in the epilogue? Do you find this consistent
with the rest of the text?