Here is one of the papers I found on my flash drive. This is one of the papers which I got taunted for...
I recieved a 98% on the report; I missed 2% due to sentence stucture.
Crime and Punishment was written by Feodor Dostoevsky and first published in book form around 1867. There is no single theme to this story, as this story has has a variety of themes composed from Dostoevsky's many experiences. The themes that were most prominent were his idea of society, religion, psychology, and family values (in no particular order). The motif throughout in this story is poverty. One term keeps popping up regarding this book: nihilism. Nihilism: Hopeless thoughts, usually negative. Example (not from book): I'm going to die soon, so why not die now.
Dostoevsky mostly set the book in St.(Saint) Petersburg, Russia. Although for a considerable amount of time the book was set in a prison in Siberia. I felt the setting wasn't truly relevant in the story (meaning: if the story was set somewhere else (city, country), the majority would remain intact; the only thing that could not be changed is the fact that he and others around him reside in poverty and the timeframe). Some cultural aspects may only be applicable to Russia, but nothing truly significant was apparent. Note that I read the translated version, which may have compromised the actual presentation. One area (there are more) where I felt it was meaningful, is on page 32, second paragraph, 12th line (in my version of the book): “For various reasons he wants the wedding to take place very soon, even before the next fast, if possible, and if the time is too short, then immediately after the Assumption.” This is one of the few places I found the setting to be of actual use. The Assumption is one of four Russian Orthodox fasts.
Society and how it operates is a big component of the story. Psychology was integrated into the previous concept (society's operation). When you do something, a consequence will follow. That concept seemed to follow around the whole book, whether it was direct or indirect. This is a very powerful tool he utilized with great skill. Dostoevsky captured human emotion and behavior very well. This is evident when Raskolnikov (main character, the main protagonist) is being psychologically tested by Porfiry (side character, side antagonist). The reactions of both seem so actual and detailed it almost as if I was there witnessing all of it (but in words!).
Family/ social values are scattered around here and there. Nothing really specific, but the book carries out the importance of family sticking together through rough times. Heres an example, Raskolnikov's family and close friends supported him until they could not support anymore (death or other prevalent matter(s)).
The evolution of the characters from my views didn't change that much. They didn't become stronger/ weaker they just stayed the same. The reason for this is because everything did not have a direct cause and effect. The only character I found with drastic changes was Raskolnikovs's. He went from what seemed to be an elitist, to some shady, guilt filled person who indulged himself in nihilist ideas. Here's example from my book in page 51 3rd paragraph 1st line: “'God!' he exclaimed, 'is it possible, is it possible, that I really shall take an axe and strike her on the head, smash open her skull... that my feet will slip in warm, sticky blood, and that I shall break the lock, and steal, and tremble, and hide, all covered in blood... with the axe... God is it possible?'”
I found this book an amazing piece of literature that stood the test of time (although nothing like Homer's works). Like most great works of Russian literature, Crime and Punishment detailed and descriptive giving the reader a great sense of the surroundings. Many may find the book a bit slow paced because of the detail, and I'll admit, at times it was quite slow. But you trade fast pace for excellent articulation. This book implements Dostoevsky's ideas on society, religion, psychology, and family values mixed together to create the excellent blend of which is this book.