Crime and Punishment Questions for Essay and Discussion

1. What is Raskolnikov’s motive for killing the pawnbroker?

2. Relate the details of Raskolnikov’s crime. What evidence is there that Raskolnikov is mentally unbalanced at the time he commits the murders?

3. List two techniques Porfiry uses to interrogate Raskolnikov and uncover evidence against him. To what extent is he successful?

4. Some critics believe that the character Razumihin serves to increase a reader’s sympathy for Raskolnikov by helping to present him as a worthwhile man, even though he is a murderer. Cite incidents from the story to support this idea.

5. In what ways are Marmeladov and Raskolnikov alike? One of the themes of this novel is that through love and forgiveness, a man can be rehabilitated or reborn. In what way(s) does the character of Marmeladov help to illustrate this theme?

6. In what way(s) are Sonia and Dounia similar characters?

7. Both Svidrigailov and Luzhin are described by some critics as representing the evil side of man. Cite incidents from the story to discuss the extent to which you agree with this idea. In your opinion, which man represents the greater evil?

8. For what reasons does Dounia agree to marry Luzhin? How does Raskolnikov feel about her impending marriage? Why does she eventually break her engagement?

9.  Cite two instances from the story supporting Raskolnikov’s belief that fate or providence are helping him to carry out his plan to murder the pawnbroker.