Crime and Punishment Essay
Fiza Naseer
Elm
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
23 October 2012
Burden or Confession Henry James meant well when he regarded the confidant to be “the reader’s friend as the protagonist.” In the novel Crime and Punishment, the main character Raskolnikov, is faced with self-faulted situations which progress him towards a confession to his confidante, Razumikhin. Fyodor Dostoyevsky not only chose Razumikhin for reasons pertaining to Raskolnikov, but to add a character that glimpses into the aspects of humanity. He tries to stance with the fact that even if Raskolnikov is a murderer, he needs to share his burden knowing Razumikhin will act humanely. Also, Razumikhin gives priority to friendship, shows devotion to a family related to the criminal and provides facility of a doctor when Raskolnikov is ill. In times of guilt, angst and utter despair Raskolnikov confesses to Razumikhin hoping he will keep the murdering secret. Razumikhin tries to comfort Dounia and Pulcheria through their tough times. The two women are emotionally and finally in despair. Even though he knows of the crimes Raskolnikov has committed, he feels it is his duty to stay true to the family. In a way he volunteers to be there when he exclaims “Let us be on our way! Nastasya! Go up there this instant and sit there with him, take your lantern; I’ll be back in quarter of an hour…” (240).When he assigns the servant this duty to take care of the two women, Razumikhin signs himself up to be there even after he leaves. He gives sensible orders like taking the lantern due to the darkness and safety. He even issues them with a reliable time span in which he accounts to return by. His orders portray his sense of maturity, also showing his responsibility that he has signed up to do. Razumikhin being the confidant sharing a horrific secret with Raskolnikov should have had a repulsion or rebellious reaction towards not only Raskolnikov, but also towards his family members. On the contrary,
Elm
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
23 October 2012
Burden or Confession Henry James meant well when he regarded the confidant to be “the reader’s friend as the protagonist.” In the novel Crime and Punishment, the main character Raskolnikov, is faced with self-faulted situations which progress him towards a confession to his confidante, Razumikhin. Fyodor Dostoyevsky not only chose Razumikhin for reasons pertaining to Raskolnikov, but to add a character that glimpses into the aspects of humanity. He tries to stance with the fact that even if Raskolnikov is a murderer, he needs to share his burden knowing Razumikhin will act humanely. Also, Razumikhin gives priority to friendship, shows devotion to a family related to the criminal and provides facility of a doctor when Raskolnikov is ill. In times of guilt, angst and utter despair Raskolnikov confesses to Razumikhin hoping he will keep the murdering secret. Razumikhin tries to comfort Dounia and Pulcheria through their tough times. The two women are emotionally and finally in despair. Even though he knows of the crimes Raskolnikov has committed, he feels it is his duty to stay true to the family. In a way he volunteers to be there when he exclaims “Let us be on our way! Nastasya! Go up there this instant and sit there with him, take your lantern; I’ll be back in quarter of an hour…” (240).When he assigns the servant this duty to take care of the two women, Razumikhin signs himself up to be there even after he leaves. He gives sensible orders like taking the lantern due to the darkness and safety. He even issues them with a reliable time span in which he accounts to return by. His orders portray his sense of maturity, also showing his responsibility that he has signed up to do. Razumikhin being the confidant sharing a horrific secret with Raskolnikov should have had a repulsion or rebellious reaction towards not only Raskolnikov, but also towards his family members. On the contrary,
Cited: