The famous classic work by F. M. Dostoevsky “Crime and Punishment” is the story of a student who decided to commit a terrible crime. In the novel, the author touches on many social, psychological and philosophical issues that are relevant to modern society. Raskolnikov's theory has been manifesting itself for decades.
What is Raskolnikov's theory?
The main character, as a result of lengthy deliberation, came to the conclusion that people are divided into two groups. The first includes individuals who can do whatever they want without paying attention to the law. To the second group he included people without rights, whose lives can be neglected. This is the main essence of Raskolnikov’s theory, which is also relevant for modern society. Many people consider themselves superior to others, breaking laws and doing whatever they want. An example is the majors.
Initially, the main character of the work perceived his own theory as a joke, but the more he thought about it, the more real the assumptions seemed. As a result, he divided all the people around him into categories and evaluated them only according to his own criteria. Psychologists have already proven that a person can convince himself of various things by thinking about them regularly. Raskolnikov's theory is a manifestation of extreme individualism.
Reasons for creating Raskolnikov's theory
Not only literature lovers, but also specialists in various fields carefully studied Dostoevsky’s work in order to highlight the social and philosophical origins of Raskolnikov’s theory.
- The moral reasons that prompted the hero to commit a crime include the desire to understand what category of people he belongs to and pain for the humiliated poor.
- There are other reasons for the emergence of Raskolnikov’s theory: extreme poverty, the concept of injustice in life and the loss of one’s own guidelines.
How did Raskolnikov come to his theory?
The main character himself throughout the novel tries to understand what caused the terrible act. Raskolnikov's theory confirms that in order for the majority to live happily, the minority must be destroyed. As a result of lengthy reflection and consideration of various situations, Rodion came to the conclusion that he belongs to the highest category of people. Literature lovers put forward several motives that prompted him to commit the crime:
- influence of the environment and people;
- desire to become great;
- desire to get money;
- dislike for the harmful and useless old woman;
- desire to test one's own theory.
What does Raskolnikov's theory bring to the disadvantaged?
The author of Crime and Punishment wanted in his book to convey suffering and pain for all humanity. Poverty and the harshness of people can be seen on almost every page of this novel. In fact, the novel, published in 1866, has much in common with modern society, which is increasingly showing its indifference to its fellow man. Rodion Raskolnikov’s theory confirms the existence of disadvantaged people who do not have a chance for a decent life, and the so-called “leaders of life” with big wallets.
What is the contradiction in Raskolnikov’s theory?
The image of the main character consists of only inconsistencies that can be traced throughout the entire work. Raskolnikov is a sensitive person who is not alien to the grief of those around him, and he wants to help those in need, but Rodion understands that he is not able to change the way of life. At the same time, he proposes a theory that completely contradicts.
When figuring out what is wrong with Raskolnikov’s theory for the hero himself, it is worth noting the fact that he expected that it would help him get out of the impasse and start living in a new way. At the same time, the hero achieved the exact opposite result, and he finds himself in an even more hopeless situation. Rodion loved people, but after the murder of the old woman, he simply cannot be around them, this even applies to his mother. All these contradictions show the imperfection of the put forward theory.
What is the danger of Raskolnikov's theory?
If we assume that the idea put forward by Dostoevsky through the thoughts of the protagonist has become large-scale, then the result for society and the world as a whole is very deplorable. The meaning of Raskolnikov’s theory is that people who are superior to others by some criteria, for example, financial capabilities, can “clear” the road for their own good by doing whatever they want, including committing murder. If many people lived according to this principle, then the world would simply cease to exist; sooner or later, the so-called “competitors” would destroy each other.
Throughout the novel, Rodion experiences moral torment, which often takes on different forms. Raskolnikov's theory is dangerous because the hero is trying in every possible way to convince himself that his action was correct, since he wanted to help his family, but he did not want anything for himself. A huge number of people commit crimes thinking this way, which in no way justifies their decision.
Pros and cons of Raskolnikov's theory
At first it may seem that the idea of dividing society does not have any positive aspects, but if you sweep aside all the bad consequences, then there is still a plus - a person’s desire to be happy. Raskolnikov's theory of the right of a strong personality shows that many strive for a better life and are the engine of progress. As for the disadvantages, there are more of them, and they matter to people who share the ideas of the main character of the novel.
- The desire to divide everyone into two classes, which can have dire consequences, for example, such ideas are identical to Nazism. All people are different, but they are equal before God, so striving to become superior to others is wrong.
- Another danger that Raskolnikov’s theory brings to the world is the use of any means in life. Unfortunately, many people in the modern world live by the principle “the ends justify the means,” which leads to dire consequences.
What prevented Raskolnikov from living according to his theory?
The whole problem is that while creating the “ideal picture” in his head, Rodion did not take into account the peculiarities of real life. You can't make the world a better place by killing another person, no matter who he was. The essence of Raskolnikov’s theory is clear, but what was not taken into account was that the old pawnbroker was only the initial link in the chain of injustice and, by removing it, it is impossible to cope with all the world’s problems. People who try to profit from the misfortunes of others are not correctly called the root of the problem, since they are only a consequence.
Facts confirming Raskolnikov's theory
In the world you can find a huge number of examples where the idea proposed by the main character of the novel was applied. You can remember Stalin and Hitler, who sought to cleanse the people of unworthy people, and what the actions of these people led to. Confirmation of Raskolnikov’s theory can be seen in the behavior of rich youth, the so-called “majors”, who, without paying attention to the laws, ruined the lives of many people. The main character himself commits murder to confirm his idea, but in the end he understands the horror of the act.
Raskolnikov's theory and its collapse
A strange theory not only appears in the work, but is also completely refuted. To change his decision, Rodion has to endure a lot of mental and physical torment. Raskolnikov's theory and its collapse occurs after he has a dream where people destroy each other and the world disappears. Then he begins to gradually restore faith in goodness. As a result, he understands that everyone, regardless of their situation, deserves to be happy.
When figuring out how Raskolnikov’s theory is refuted, it is worth citing as an example one simple truth - happiness cannot be built on crime. Violence, even if it can be justified by some high ideals, is evil. The hero himself admits that he did not kill the old woman, but destroyed himself. The collapse of Raskolnikov’s theory was visible at the very beginning of its proposal, since the manifestation of inhumanity could not be justified.
Is Raskolnikov's theory still alive today?
No matter how sad it may sound, the idea of dividing people into classes exists. Modern life is tough and the principle of “survival of the fittest” forces many to do things that are not consistent with their lives. If you conduct a survey of who lives today according to Raskolnikov’s theory, then each person will most likely be able to cite as an example some personalities from his environment. One of the main reasons for this state of affairs is the importance of money, which rules the world.
One of the best novels by the writer-philosopher Fyodor Mikhailovich explores the dark nature of the human soul. A difficult read, Crime and Punishment realistically depicts a world in which few characters manage to remain within the framework of human values. Most heroes believe that poverty is the main cause of their misfortunes. Dostoevsky places his overly proud, inquisitive-minded protagonist in a cramped, gloomy room. In addition, his psychological state is aggravated by the lack of even minimal means of subsistence. In such physical limitations, mixed with a feeling of hunger, a former law student develops a seditious, inhumane theory that questions recognized universal human values.
The arrogance of a young man, hurt by the injustice of this world, refuses to accept the dull reality. In search of the main cause of his misfortunes, Rodion Raskolnikov comes to original conclusions. He believes that he deserves more, better and right now. Having supported his theory with a number of philosophical reflections and historical examples, Raskolnikov is so convinced of the genius of his discovery that he decides to publish his theory in a printed publication. Some are given everything, and others are given nothing, because people are divided into two types. And to change the humiliating reality, you just need to prove your theory with one decisive step. Murder. Explaining to himself that he is acting for the benefit not only of himself, but also of other people offended by the old money-lender, Raskolnikov kills Alena Ivanovna, then, accidentally, kills the unfortunate Lizaveta Ivanovna, then steals some small change, runs, hides, lies to his loved ones, the investigator, a friend, gets confused in his thoughts and dreams and, most importantly, the doors to the world of chosen people do not open, but on the contrary, the last threads connecting him with reality collapse.
Raskolnikov's theory is incorrect, which was what needed to be proven. The great humanist Dostoevsky split the consciousness of his hero, but his physically exhausted soul was saved thanks to love. After all, only love, compassion and kindness make a person out of a person. Yes, people are equal, but not the same. Not everyone is capable of committing a crime, not all criminals will suffer legal punishment, but no one will escape the judgment of their conscience.
There are neither almighty nor trembling creatures, but there is crime and inevitable punishment. Raskolnikov's theory stumbled over human nature, over the sense of conscience, which Rodion underestimated in his cruel philosophy.
“Oh, if no one loved me, it would be easier for me,” says Raskolnikov, realizing his main mistake. And his mother, sister, friend and Sonya love him. Fragile and unhappy Sonya, who found salvation in faith in God. She explains hackneyed human values to a failed superman. Long-proven truisms help two sinners find their way to atonement for punishment. Hard labor makes human suffering easier for them.
Raskolnikov's theory and its collapse short essay
What led to the murder of the hero was not the desire to help his mother, and to use the money himself, not dreams of the happiness of his neighbors. Two months before the crime was committed, Raskolnikov published an article about crimes in the newspaper “Periodicheskaya Speech”, in which he discusses the right of a strong personality. He says that historical progress is carried out on someone’s sacrifices, so his idea is that those who make this very historical progress are strong individuals, therefore they have the right to bloodshed and other crimes, and history will justify their sacrifices in the name of progress.
Thus, it turns out that there is a category of people who lead the rest of the masses by removing unnecessary and unwanted individuals from the road. Raskolnikov nicknamed this category those entitled to rights; he himself considers himself one of such individuals. One of these people was Napoleon Bonaparte; the second category is “trembling creatures.”
After this, Raskolnikov heard about the old pawnbroker, a meeting with Marmeladov, a letter from his mother, and the main character withdraws into himself and begins to think about a plan for self-test. If he kills an old woman and indifferently passes through the blood he has shed, without feeling a feeling of regret, then he will belong to the first type of people.
Raskolnikov's consciousness has already been completely enslaved by this theory. He does not want anything for himself, but is not able to come to terms with injustice in society. Light and darkness fight in him, in the end theory prevails, and Raskolnikov goes to murder, like a man who has lost control over himself. He merged so much with the idea that he succumbed to it in practice. The author claims that not only feelings and emotions rule over the souls of people, but also such evil ideas that will definitely lead to sad consequences. Dostoevsky introduces Svidrigaelov into the narrative in order to show why this theory is terrible. Svidrigaelov is cynical and greedy for money, Raskolnikov understands that his views are close, but at the same time he is not pleasant to Rodion.
After the crime, Raskolnikov is tormented by the fact that he committed a crime and remained in the same place. This only meant that he belonged to the “trembling creatures,” and the crime was absolutely senseless.
Option 3
The works of the author Dostoevsky “Crime and Punishment” carry a rather deep meaning, which he conveys to his reader in a beautiful and understandable literary language, thereby allowing him to fully understand and feel all the emotions that he experienced when writing the work. In the work, the author also touches on the themes of the human self, which, when interacting with society, can produce absolutely incredible results, which can make a simple, unprepared reader feel dizzy. The author expressed in his work exactly what society longed to hear, but was afraid to talk about it, which is why this work became so popular and readable. This work is called “Crime and Punishment”.
In his work, the author described the work scheme of human society, said exactly what society was thinking about at that moment, what it was thinking about, what it was afraid of and what it was striving for. Society at that time was quite greedy and had very high self-esteem, which regulated the division between layers. At that time, many people thought very much about the social division of strata, because high society seriously believed that if you belong to the upper strata, then you are an order of magnitude higher than anyone from the lower strata, not even talking about skills and talents. Simply being classified as a higher stratum was considered the best quality of a person. An excellent example is the character of Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov is the main character of the work, on whom the author builds the entire structure of his theme, which he actually reveals in the work. Through his image, the author is trying to convey the theme that people at that time very much divided each other into social strata, classifying themselves first here and then there. However, through the image and worldview of Raskolnikov, and his further collapse, we see that this topic is correct and the author’s interpretation of it is correct. Raskolnikov’s theory itself is that a person’s belonging to high society can be verified in one way - by murder. He said that if he does not feel guilty for killing a person of a low class, then he belongs to a high class. However, later he realized that this theory was fundamentally wrong, which is why he revised his worldview and began to look at the world in a new way.
"CRIME AND PUNISHMENT"Lesson topic: “The theory of Rodion Raskolnikov and its collapse.”
Teacher: Evergetova V.S.
Lukhovitsy 2012
Epigraph for the lesson:
Raskolnikov's theory has nothing in common with the ideas that make up the worldview of modernly developed people. And this theory was developed by him in the ominous silence of deep and languid solitude; this theory bears the stamp of his personal character
D. Pisarev
Lesson topic: Raskolnikov's theory and its collapse
The purpose of the lesson:
- reveal the content of Raskolnikov’s theory about the right of a strong personality,
- show its anti-humanitarian character,
- promote a correct understanding of the essence of good and evil;
- develop the ability to work with the text of a work of art
Lesson organization.
Repetition of previously learned.
The topic of our lesson today is related to one of the main motives of the crime, i.e. one of the main reasons that prompted Rodion Raskolnikov (the main character of the novel “Crime and Punishment”) to commit the murder of a peer, moneylender Alena Ivanovna.
So let's remember now:
What reasons, circumstances, meetings served as an impetus on the path to crime:
- Raskolnikov's poverty;
- desire to help mother and sister;
- compassion for all poor, humiliated people (Marmeladov family);
- hatred of the old pawnbroker;
- an overheard conversation in a tavern;
- Raskolnikov's theory.
Write down the topic of the lesson in your notebook.
New material.
Teacher's opening remarks:
The peculiarity of the novel is that the novel is based on a psychological and philosophical mystery. The main question of the novel is not who left, but why did they kill? What ideas led to the murder? Is Raskolnikov to blame?
The theory was born in the mind of a gloomy, withdrawn, lonely and at the same time humane person, painfully perceiving everything around him. It is important that she was born under the heavy St. Petersburg sky.
Dostoevsky, defining the concept of the novel, wrote that Raskolnikov’s theory is based on theories that “are floating in the air.” Indeed, democratic revolutionaries fought against social evil and sought to change this world, but Raskolnikov is not a revolutionary. He is a loner rebel.
In 1865, Napoleon’s book “The History of Julius Caesar” was translated in Russia, where the idea of the special purpose of man, of its immunity from human laws, i.e., is developed. the rationale for the policy of war, violence, and oppression is given. Apparently the main character of the novel, an intelligent, well-read man, knew about this. Therefore, reflecting on social evil, Raskolnikov comes to the conclusion that you can help yourself, your loved ones and all poor people by killing a rich one; no one needs an evil, harmful old woman who eats up someone else’s age.
He creates a theory about the right of a strong personality. We learn about this theory after the crime has been committed, reading part III of the novel, when Raskolnikov and his friend Razumikhin go to Porfiry Petrovich (the investigator working on the murder of Alena Ivanovna), trying to find out about the fate of their things - his father’s silver watch and Dunya’s ring - pledged.
Porfiry Petrovich, according to Razumikhin, “is a smart guy, he has a special way of thinking, distrustful, skeptic, cynic...”. He knows his business very well.
During the meeting, they talk about an article written by a former law student, Raskolnikov, six months ago. This article, according to Porfiry Petrovich, was published in “Periodic Speech” two months ago and was called about “Crime...”
Commented reading of the text: part 3, ch. IV
What was the article about?
Why did the article interest Porfiry?Raskolnikov’s article “On Crime” interested the investigator in its unusual division of people into two categories: low and high.
According to the theory, the first category is ordinary, conservative people, they preserve peace and increase it numerically, observe laws and never break them. They are the majority.
The second category consists of extraordinary people, strong personalities who destroy the present in the name of the future, i.e. lead the world towards a goal, towards progress, and in the name of this they have the right to step over a corpse, over blood, i.e. have the right to commit a crime. They are few.
Raskolnikov considers the great people of the past to be among the extraordinary people:Lycurgus (statesman of Greece), Solon (political figure of ancient Athens who carried out reforms), Mohammed (religious preacher, founder of the Muslim religion), Napoleon (emperor, great commander).
Problematic question:
How did Dostoevsky show the inconsistency of Raskolnikov's theory? (the collapse of the theory).
Conversation based on the text of the novel:How did Raskolnikov feel after the murder?
He returned home safely, avoiding detection. Rodion did not remember how he collapsed on the sofa in all his clothes. He was shaking. When he woke up, he looked for traces of blood on his clothes, fearing exposure. With horror, I discovered blood on the fringe of my trousers, in my pockets, on my shoes... I remembered about my wallet and stolen items and began to feverishly think about where to hide them. Then he falls into unconsciousness and lies down again. Five minutes later he jumps up and remembers with horror that he did not remove the noose under his arm where he hid the ax. Then he sees bloody fringe on the floor, looks at the clothes again and sees blood everywhere...
Conclusion : Raskolnikov does not control himself, he is gripped by such fear of exposure that he seems like a seriously ill person.
How did Raskolnikov meet his mother and sister?
He is not happy to meet his family. He doesn't want to see anyone. The murder he committed depresses him.
Having parted with Razumikhin after a conversation with the investigator, Raskolnikov remembers the old woman again and again.
Work with text. Reading and commentary Part III Ch. IV
“The old lady is nonsense! He thought hotly and impetuously, “I’m afraid, perhaps, that it’s not the fault!” The old woman was only sick... I just wanted to cross over as quickly as possible... I didn’t kill a person, I killed a principle!”
“...Yes, I really take it out...”
“...Mother, sister, how I loved them! Why do I hate them now? Yes, I hate them, physically I hate them, I can’t stand them around me...”
What is going on in Raskolnikov’s mind?
Raskolnikov changes, his attitude towards others changes. He begins to feel like an outcast, understands that a gap is emerging between him and the people around him, that he has crossed a moral barrier and has placed himself outside the laws of human society. He confesses this to Sonya. Only she, who also violated the law of morality in the name of saving people, trusts his terrible secret.
Selective reading by role: part 4, ch. IV, part 5, ch. IV
How does Raskolnikov explain the murder?
(“... I didn’t kill to help my mother - nonsense...
I needed to find out something else... Am I a trembling creature or do I have the right?...
Am I an old woman gone? I killed myself, not the old lady!)
This is the essence of Raskolnikov’s punishment: he killed the person within himself.
Conclusions: Thus, Raskolnikov's theory fails. His path is false, the protest of a rebel - a loner - turned out to be untenable because it was inhumane in nature.
Summing up students' work in class, grading, homework.
- Re-read Part VI, epilogue.
- Answer (orally) the questions:
- What role did Sonya Marmeladova play in Raskolnikov’s fate?
- What was the fate of the main character in hard labor?
- Prepare reports about Luzhin and Svidrigailov.
Raskolnikov's theory and its collapse
F. M. Dostoevsky’s novel “Crime and Punishment” is one of the most important works in world literature. The socio-psychological and philosophical novel depicts the contradiction of ideological beliefs, the conflict of thoughts and feelings of people, and also shows the tense and difficult mood of society in the second half of the 19th century.
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, the main character of the novel, is a student at the Faculty of Law of St. Petersburg University, forced to leave his studies due to lack of money. Living in a room that looks more like a coffin or a closet, one is on the verge of poverty. “Do you know, Sonya, that low ceilings and cramped rooms cramp the soul and mind!” says Raskolnikov about his closet. Rodion is quite educated and intelligent, capable of noticing and sensibly assessing what is happening. So, he sees all the poverty and depravity of St. Petersburg life, in which an ordinary worker is not able to support his family. Sonechka Marmeladova goes to the panel to sell her body, while her father becomes an alcoholic, realizing all his insignificance.
Under the influence of the difficulties of life, as well as the political mood of society, an immoral and inhumane theory is born in Raskolnikov’s head. Its meaning is that all people from birth are divided into two categories: ordinary - “... that is, so to speak, into material that serves solely for the generation of their own kind...”, and extraordinary - “... actually into people, that is, having the gift or talent to say a new word in one’s midst.” “The first preserve the world and increase it numerically; the latter move the world and lead it to the goal.” According to Raskolnikov’s plan, the second, “extraordinary” ones, have the unofficial right to allow their conscience to step over an obstacle, through blood, if there are reasons for this and it will lead to the common good.
Rodion Raskolnikov, coming up with this theory, thinks about what category he belongs to, and then painful questions appear in his head: “...am I a louse, like everyone else, or a man?”, “Am I a trembling creature or do I have the right?” ..." Due to his pride and unshakable belief in his own exclusivity, Rodion is not able to classify himself as a “trembling creature,” which is why he decides to kill the old pawnbroker, whom he does not even consider to be a person. “I just killed a louse, Sonya, a useless, nasty, harmful one.” But he decides to kill not because he put himself on an equal footing with Napoleon and Mohammed, not because he wants to become a universal benefactor (“Kill her and take her money, so that with their help you can then devote yourself to serving all humanity and the common cause: how Do you think that one tiny crime will not be atone for with thousands of good deeds?... One death and a hundred lives in return"), and not even because he and his family needed money. “If only I had killed because I was hungry... - then I would now... be happy!” He kills for himself in order to decide on one of the categories of his theory. But this is the most terrible thing for society, when a criminal is guided by a theory, driven by conscious protest, and not by base instincts: “It’s also good that you just killed the old woman, but if you came up with another theory, it would probably be a hundred million times more They would have done a uglier job!” Dostoevsky Raskolnikov novel
Raskolnikov, driven by an idea, kills Alena Ivanovna, but the soul and essence of human nature rises in him. “Whoever has it, suffer, since he recognizes the mistake. This is his punishment—except hard labor.” Rodion has a conscience, it is precisely this that rises in his soul and accompanies him with torment until the end of the novel. Raskolnikov's further life turns into hell. He is moving away from friends, from family, his condition is similar to madness. “It’s as if I cut myself off from everyone and everything with scissors...” But he also suffered from the realization that he did not belong to the highest rank of his theory and did not have the right to kill. “...The devil dragged me then, and only after that he explained to me that I had no right to go there, because I was just as much a louse as everyone else!..<…>Did I kill the old lady? I killed myself, not the old woman!” Then he, unable to bear his loneliness, goes to the “eternal” Sonechka Marmeladova, because he sees in her a person capable of understanding him. But Sonya is not like Raskolnikov, she is highly moral and honors the commandments of God and commits crimes not for herself, but for her family, thereby atonement for her sin. Sonechka is Rodion's only salvation.
The idea still lives in Raskolnikov’s head, it eats him up from the inside, occupies all his thoughts, that’s why he doesn’t listen to Sonya’s advice, doesn’t go to surrender: “Maybe I’ve slandered myself, maybe I’m still a man, not louse, and hastened to condemn myself... I will still fight.” But Raskolnikov cannot stand the fight and denounces himself, showing, as he believes, weakness and cowardice (after all, there is no real evidence against him and no one can “convict” him), for which he blames and despises himself. “...The fact that I killed a nasty, malicious louse, an old woman pawnbroker, useless to anyone, whom killing forty sins will be forgiven, who sucked the juice out of the poor, and this is a crime? I don’t think about it and I don’t think about washing it off. But I, I couldn’t even stand the first step, because I’m a scoundrel!.. And yet I won’t look with your eyes: if I had succeeded, I would have been crowned, but now I’m in a trap!.. I never, never was I am stronger and more convinced than now!..” Even after turning himself in, Rodion does not repent of the crime. He only blames himself for “couldn’t stand it” because he turned out to be lower than the demands he places on himself as a “person.” This means that the theory still has the right to exist.
While in hard labor, Raskolnikov had a dream in which he saw humanity being struck by some terrible pestilence, the consequences of which was madness and permissiveness: “...Everyone thought that the truth lay in him alone... They didn’t know who and to judge, they could not agree on what to consider as evil and what as good. People killed each other in some senseless rage. Fires started, famine began. Everything and everyone was dying. Only a few people in the whole world could be saved; they were pure and chosen, destined to start a new race of people and a new life, to renew and cleanse the earth, but no one saw these people anywhere, no one heard their words and voices.” In this dream, F. M. Dostoevsky shows Raskolnikov’s theory using the example of a disease that affects every person, where everyone imagines himself to be an “extraordinary” person, and therefore has the right to “murder according to his conscience.” The world in his dream turns into chaos, where the main force is violence. But even this “senseless nonsense” does not refute his idea in Raskolnikov’s mind.
“They were resurrected by love, the heart of one contained endless sources of life for the heart of the other. And what are all these, all the torments of the past! Everything, even his crime, even his sentence and exile seemed to him now, in his first impulse, as some kind of external, strange fact, as if it had not even happened to him.” It is love for Sonechka that resurrects Rodion, awakens in him highly moral, humane qualities and gives him a chance for a new life. He is never convinced of the fallacy of his theory, only throwing it out of his thoughts and begins to live not by an idea, but by feelings and soul. “...He only felt. Instead of dialectics, life came, and something completely different had to be developed in the consciousness.”
All the unnaturalness, all the horror for a person in such an act as murder, is illuminated by Dostoevsky in “Crime and Punishment” not as a lesson, but in the vivid depiction of the very moment of murder. Having taken the wrong path, trusting his abstract theory, Raskolnikov must immediately fall into chaos, in which he loses the opportunity to direct events and control his own free will. It becomes clear to the reader that Raskolnikov, according to Sonya, commits violence not only against others, but also against himself, over his soul and conscience.
Raskolnikov's theory
If Raskolnikov, in the days when he was just thinking about the relativity of the concepts of good and evil, had been presented with a vivid picture of this murder, if he could see himself with an ax in his hand, hear the crack of the old woman’s skull under his ax, see a puddle of blood, imagine himself approaching Elizabeth with the same bloody ax, somehow childishly pushing him away in blind horror with her hands - if he could experience and experience all this, and not think about only theoretical solutions, there is no doubt that he would have seen that at this price no goods can be bought. He would understand that the means do not justify the ends.
The double murder committed by Raskolnikov somehow destroys his entire life. He is overcome by complete confusion, confusion, powerlessness and melancholy. He cannot overcome, overcome the terrible impressions of murder: they haunt him like a nightmare. In his theory, Raskolnikov believed that it was after the murder and robbery that he would begin to implement plans for a new life; Meanwhile, it was the very nightmare of the murder that filled his entire subsequent life with melancholy and confusion.
On the night after the murder, he rushes around the room with feverish haste, tries to concentrate, think about his situation and cannot, catches and loses the threads of thoughts, puts the stolen things behind the wallpaper and does not see that they are sticking out from there. He is seized by hallucinations, he is delirious and cannot distinguish reality from crazy ideas.
In the future, he continues to feel the unforeseen consequences of what happened, which he could not take into account. So, he feels his complete separation from the whole world and from the people closest to him. He wears a mask when communicating with his beloved mother and sister, withdrawing into his gloomy loneliness. And although he theoretically justifies his crime and blames himself only for weakness of will and cowardice, at the same time he unconsciously feels that the blood he shed makes it impossible for him to continue simple and sincere communication with his loved ones. “It’s as if I’m looking at you from a thousand miles away,” he says to his mother and sister.
Thus, Dostoevsky discovers here that violation of the eternal laws inherent in the human soul entails punishment not from the outside, but from the inside. Raskolnikov himself punishes himself with his melancholy separation from people, his solitude and the vague consciousness that his life is somehow crippled, broken. He decides that the whole point is in his weakness, in the fact that he is endowed with a flabby and powerless nature. He comes to the realization that he has given in to his principle, that he has found himself inferior to it. “I killed myself, not the old woman,” he says, and expresses the same thought in another place: “The old woman is nonsense; I didn’t kill a person, I killed a principle..."
In the future, the author depicts his hero in a state of internal disorder and mental struggle. His life content completely disappeared, because the foundation of life disappeared; he does not find any of the former interests of life, he can no longer devote himself to either work or entertainment. He struggles between two decisions: his own previous ones, telling him about the right of the strong, and Sonya Marmeladova, calling him to repentance and atonement. But the personal traits that the author shows in his hero explain the slow process of Raskolnikov’s mental rebirth, which took place in him under the influence of Sonya.