Crime And Punishment Character Analysis

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Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel, Crime and Punishment, employs themes of “crime and punishment, guilt and innocence, the Ubermensch/ Superman theory, psychological exploration, and atonement and forgiveness” (qtd. by Collins). In conjunction with these themes, Dostoyevsky creates a multitude of foil characters to reflect the protagonist of the novel, Raskolnikov. [F]oil [is] a character [utilized] to point to […] some aspect of the second character (“foil”). Raskolnikov’s driving traits are primarily emphasized by the characterization of Luzhin, Razmuhin, and Svidrigailov. “Raskol” genuinely translates into “schism or split” (Shipman). By providing foil characters, Raskolnikov’s distinctions within his character become evident.
“Razum” translates into “reason or intelligence” (“Crime and Punishment”). Therefore, in the novel, Razmuhin is utilized to provide Raskolnikov with a reasonable approach to his predicament while enlightening him with his intelligence. Razmuhin perceives Raskolnikov as a friend and presents an obligation to him as a friend. He emphasizes the state of Raskolnikov’s self-depreciating condition which takes a toll on Raskolnikov’s mental state. Razmuhin’s captivation by Dounia reveals his interest in protecting Raskolnikov also. When Dostoyevsky’s character Zossimov makes a remark about the “fetching little girl,” Razmuhin’s protective nature flares (165; part 3, ch. 1). Dounia hardly needs protection on the account that she is a bold individual. She displays it by blatantly suggesting Luzhin may not be “the husband for [her]” while in the presence of others and by disregarding his request for a meeting with her mother and her alone (Dostoyevsky 238-9; part 4, ch. 2).Raskolnikov often reasons with himself to justif...

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...tted which was swept under the rug by Marfa Petrovna yet came back to ultimately slay her. In addition to this, Raskolnikov happens to express more selflessness as he finally goes to confess and right his wrong of letting the wrongfully accused suffer.
The foil characters illustrate progress in Raskolnikov from being self-absorbed while harboring the guilt of his sin and struggling with his Superman theory to his contemplative and pre-meditative states when in sound mind to distinguish illusions from reality to Raskolnikov openly confessing and admitting he is not able to step over crime. Raskolnikov is an ordinary individual who tested extraordinary measures and failed miserably. The strengths and weaknesses of Luzhin, Svidrigailov, and Razmuhin combine self-centeredness with philanthropy and reason to portray the main characteristics of Dostoyevsky’s Raskolnikov.

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