Four theses ideas

     My first thesis idea that I came up with was to discuss and analyze the different and many ways in which Raskolnikov is able to rationalize sin and the murders he committed. Since Raskolnikov sincerely believes that his actions are noble, his crime is justified in his mind. Though he feels immense guilt in what he did, not once does he consider the possibility that what he did was immoral or wrong. I would like to write an essay that explains why he does not necessarily think his actions were "right" or "wrong."

     My second thesis idea was something I have brought up in my blog posts before. The essay would compare how the women in Crime and Punishment and The Stranger (by Camus) influence and guide the male characters into making the decisions they make. In The Stranger, Meursault's girlfriend helps define his mindset and in Crime and Punishment, Sonia helps Raskolnikov deal with his guilt and leads him to his decision to confess. The ways in which both women persuade the men of their respective novel into doing or thinking what they seem fit are different, but similar at the same time.

     My third thesis idea revolves around Dostoyevksy himself more than any of the actual characters. Dostoyevsky incorporated a lot of his existentialist views on life into Crime and Punishment and focuses on the psychology of his characters. I thought it would be interesting to write a paper on how existentialism plays a role in Crime and Punishment and how the psychology of the characters helps shape the book into what it is.

     My fourth thesis idea is about how Sonia's intense religious morals directly conflict with Svidrigailov's selfish nature, yet Raskolnikov interacts with both characters a lot throughout the novel. Both characters heavily influence him to examine his own morality and ultimately form his decision to confess. With this thesis I could discuss how the opposite mindsets of his peers affect his own mindset and how that led to him deciding to come clean about the murders.