Crime and punishment Part II

Crime and Punishment Part II
Guilt and Obsession

• Raskolnikov’s theory says that there is a failure of will in every crime. This is evidenced by careless mistakes. He leaves the door open; he does not get rid of the evidence immediately etc., which causes fear of discovery.
• Raskolnikov’s theory states that illness accompanies crime. His illness (chills, fever and delirium are psychosomatic and the beginning of his punishment).
Raskolnikov’s theory states that crime isolates one from human contact. The extraordinary man must stand alone and need no one. He realizes that the crime has isolated him from society. That he can never be open and free with another person if he is to avoid discovery, yet he yearns for human contact. (duality). Suspicious Behavior
• Raskolnikov’s obsession with the bloody sock
• Fear of discovery
• Delirium

• Raskolnikov’s illness after the crime ties in with his published theory.
• He is extremely lethargic only showing interest in the crime.
• Hypothetical confession to Zametov
• Returns to the scene of the crime.

Important Points in Part II

• Raskolnikov does not count the money. This indicates that the crime was not committed for financial gain.
• Raskolnikov vacillates between the dual desire to confess (and thereby end his isolation from society) and the desire to hide his guilt (and avoid punishment).
• Sonia is revealed as a symbol of great suffering and shame (revealing a Christ-like nature).