Crime And Punishment By Fyodor Dostoevsky

Upon waking up after a night out in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov feels irascible and can only concentrate on the horrendous act of murder he might commit. His visit to the desolate Marmeladov house from the previous night forces him to withdraw into a neurotic and isolated state. He wishes to dissociate from society, and even the servant girl Nastasya bringing a meal ignites anxiety within him. Raskolnikov’s first character trait that is established by Dostoevsky is his desire to avoid interactions with others. As Raskolnikov awakes in his cramped room, Dostoevsky describes him as “like a tortoise in its shell” (Dostoevsky 35). The author employs this simile to heighten Raskolnikov’s isolation and seclusion that results from his prideful attitude. The word tortoise represents how he retreats into a lonely and somewhat insane frame of mind. As he contemplates the idea
He views himself as superior, which therefore separates him from society. Moreover, Raskolnikov continually severs his ties to acquaintances as he contemplates and finally executes the murder. Dostoevsky utilizes the simile to allude to Raskolnikov’s utter inability to communicate and interact after he murders the pawnbroker. He portrays Raskolnikov’s first signs of insanity. It is no longer his choice to isolate himself. He has transformed into a psychotic and deranged person that has limited control of his actions. Another idea that the author introduces is Raskolnikov’s split personality. Occasionally he wishes to engage in conversation with others, but he soon becomes so mentally and emotionally exhausted that he retreats back into his shell. He often lets his emotions, especially anger, take control of the situation. Dostoevsky applies a simile to establish Raskolnikov’s personality transition from prideful introversion to insane