Crime And Punishment: Raskolnikov

Value Change Essay- 3rd Draft

In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the main character, Raskolnikov, develops throughout the novel and ultimately becomes a dynamic character. Raskolnikov first seems as an individual who struggles with conforming to society and believes in his superiority. As he comes back to reality and realizes his human identity, Raskolnikov’s thought process becomes complex. His personality and ideas alter from beginning to end due to influences such as Svidrigailov, Sonya, and his essentially good conscience. Raskolnikov experiences a revelation with his values and thinking changing completely. In the beginning of Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is portrayed bluntly as one who feels superior to society and
Raskolnikov never found himself caring about his sister and saw her only as a source of money and someone who praised him until the possible marriage with Luhzin and the advances made by Svidrigailov. Readers see irony in the fact that Raskolnikov sees Luhzin as only wanting Dounia for his own benefit, while Raskolnikov used her in the same way. Luhzin poses a threat to Raskolnikov in a sense, which is why Raskolnikov wants to get rid of him. Svidrigailov, on the other hand, impacts the emotional nature in Raskolnikov. The first time Raskolnikov shows a hint of emotion and care for his sister is when Svidrigailov comes to Raskolnikov and tells him about his life and interest in Dounia. Raskolnikov hesitates in regards to letting Dounia interact with Svidrigailov due to his past including rape, murder, and sadist tendencies. Something Raskolnikov did not possess in the beginning of the novel presents itself after conversations with Svidrigailov: a conscience. Raskolnikov’s ability to recognize Svidrigailov’s corruption shows improvement in his rational thinking concerning morality. It also suggests his protective and caring nature over Dounia, emotions not present in the beginning of the