Part 1 of Term Paper (Alexia Barrios)

 Fyodor Dostoevsky is a highly regarded Russian novelist whose literary works are influenced by a variety of topics based on the corrupt political and social atmosphere that was 19^th century Russia. Dostoevsky early view of the world was shaped by his experiences with social injustices and the overall tragic events that occurred throughout his life. It can be argued that he himself was somewhat alienated from society as he became active in socialist circles that were against the current political reforms that were occurring during that time period, as they consisted of a small group of people. His joining of such groups and his political opinions is what lead to his arrest as him along with others were illegally printing and distributing social propaganda. One of his most rewarded literary works is Crime and Punishment, a novel that is a psychological analysis of the main character, Rodion Ramonovich Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov believes in the capability that certain “great men” have the capability to disregard the moral code as well as those set up by society in order to commit crimes that would accomplish a certain task that they find committing such a crime would be justifiable. It then can be argued that in reality he is simply attempting to logistically justify his “evil thoughts” about the disliked pawnbroker who which he later murders in cold blood justifying this gruesome event as one that was necessary and that would benefit society as he has now eliminated an unwanted and evil presence. Raskolnikov, due to social, environmental and psychological aspects that are expressed within in the novel, had become alienated from society. This alienation stems from the environment of St. Petersburg, which was inhabited by those whom he considers far more inferior then him, and from psychological aspects such as his superiority complex and growing guilt.

             Throughout the novel, we are introduced to several different aspects and sources of Raskolnikov’s alienation, one of the many being the social aspect of it, which is the first that is introduced in the novel. Originally, his alienation stemmed from his superiority complex in which he saw himself as superior to all those who also inhabited the city of St. Petersburg and supported by his belief in the idea of a “superman”. Dostoevsky sets this up in an interesting manner as he leaves the character nameless for some time but provides some clues as he describes him to be tall and handsome, which may foster his proud and contemptuous nature, as well as someone who is emotionally detached from humanity and overly conscious. From the beginning of the novel his air of superiority is evident due to the manner in which he speaks and views those who reside in the city. Throughout the novel he continually describes them to be inferior in both physically appearance, evaluating both beauty and the manner in which they dress, and in their intellectual capabilities. Due to this, he is unwilling to make any lasting connections with those who live alongside him as he finds himself to be to great of a person to socialize with those whom he views as much lower than himself, when in reality he is in the same financial state as those who he criticizes so harshly. Also, the fact that he views himself as a “superman”, or a person who is extraordinary in sense that they are above the moral rules that govern humanity, is a factor in which he justifies his alienation as though it almost compels him to do so. As the plot develops, it also comes to light his inability and unwillingness to create and sustain healthy relationships with those who are trying to help him. As he becomes more secluded and inwardly drawn into his guilt and torment, his sister Dunia, his mother Pulcheria Alexandrovna, and one of his closest friends Razumikhin, away as they try to help him both before the murders as he struggled with poverty, and during his tumultuous psychological state afterwards.