hammocksleeper
03-20-2004, 8:03 PM
Don't really use this essay anybody :)
Hey this is an essay I wrote about Crime and Punishment, tell me what you think. This is actually the next-to-final draft, so the conclusion isn't exactly complete, by that I mean polished, rounded, off. And I only have one quote because I got lazy :) You don't have to read it, I just thought it'd be cool to put it up. Reason being, I always see fictional creative writing type pieces up here and I wanted to see something else.
February 19, 2004
Spirituality in Crime and Punishment
In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the author examines the psychological goings-on of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov Dostoevsky, a man who has brutally bludgeoned a pawnbroker and her sister. The thought processes leading up to the murder and the subsequent, conflicting processes of self-confirmation and self-condemnation intensely play out the author’s discussion on social order and moral law. Raskolnikov attempts to justify the murder, yet deep in his soul there is an inevitable sense that the murder is wrong. The essence of right and wrong necessitates a judging power, be it society, or a greater, unseen, divine authority. This notion of such a pervasive authority dominates the novel and is an important theme surrounding Raskolnikov and his fate.
Although Raskolnikov had been thinking about burgling the old pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, had he not been present at the tavern to eavesdrop on the dialogue regarding the theory of killing the pawnbroker, he would never have carried out his plans. Raskolnikov is a moral man, a man with a conscience; this is revealed early in the story by his reaction to the letter from his mother. He is ashamed that he has wasted the money his family has sacrificed for him. He is also concerned with the happiness of his sister, Audotya Romanovna. Although Dounia is engaged in a practical marriage, one that will benefit Raskolnikov with a job, Raskolnikov is willing to sacrifice his own success for that of his sister, who he wishes to marry a man she loves rather than Luzhin. Notwithstanding his morality, the conversation Raskolnikov overhears provides a justification for the murder. His conscience is suspended, influenced by the logic of men.
Sonia Semyonovna shows Raskolnikov what can be accomplished with a faith in God by her inspiring display of unconditional love and forgiveness for him. Whoring herself out for the sake of her family, she is sinning but not in the same vein as Raskolnikov has done. Sonia has weighed all considerations, and has chosen to take the yellow ticket, all the while bearing in mind her own spiritual demands. She chooses to accept all the ignominy and loneliness with the hope that it leads toward the well-being of her family. She finds redemption through her suffering. Raskolnikov only realizes this very late in the novel, when he himself is learning that the spiritual side of things must be taken into account.
No amount of reason and logic can justify the murder of a woman without some role of spirituality. Raskolnikov’s justification of the murder of Alyona Ivanovna does not consider this aspect. “One death, and a hundred lives in exchange—it’s simple arithmetic?” (I-VI) he hears in the tavern. But the fact of the matter is that it is not just simple arithmetic. It is so much more complicated, and one would be a fool to overlook the spiritual and moral implications of such a murder. However, blinded by his flawed reasoning for carrying out the murder, Raskolnikov slowly but surely advances toward the actual completion of his project.
Raskolnikov shows not remorse, but rather regret prior to the confession of his deed. He shows extreme regret, disappointment in himself and aggravation in the dire, dangerous position he has put himself in. He has lost self-respect, and his instinctual response to hold onto a shred of pride is made manifest by his fervent efforts to foil the investigation of the police, including Porfiry Petrovich.
If one does not take into account his own spirituality, one cannot find success in any life. The logic of man is flawed, but the divine will is perfect and of course an excellent source of advice. One must recognize the imperfection in man. This imperfection is not the root of sin, but it is also the root of forgiveness. The acknowledgement and acceptance of our shortcomings before each other and before God, incidentally the fifth step in the twelve-step program, is a necessary part of exploring ourselves and of developing our identity. Through suffering and atoning on can obtain redemption. A rationalistic approach to moral issues does not provide success. A faith in the workings and will of God will provide forgiveness and salvation. In Dostoevsky’s world, one cannot simply disregard the cries of his soul. They are most definitely present and have the utmost importance, ultimately dictating what one does and how he does it. For success, the sanctity of the soul must be maintained. Casting aside one’s conscience, as Raskolnikov does, leads one into intense misery. Moreover, any sort of blasphemous “superhuman” theory completely disavows the humbleness of mankind in comparison to God.
Hey this is an essay I wrote about Crime and Punishment, tell me what you think. This is actually the next-to-final draft, so the conclusion isn't exactly complete, by that I mean polished, rounded, off. And I only have one quote because I got lazy :) You don't have to read it, I just thought it'd be cool to put it up. Reason being, I always see fictional creative writing type pieces up here and I wanted to see something else.
February 19, 2004
Spirituality in Crime and Punishment
In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the author examines the psychological goings-on of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov Dostoevsky, a man who has brutally bludgeoned a pawnbroker and her sister. The thought processes leading up to the murder and the subsequent, conflicting processes of self-confirmation and self-condemnation intensely play out the author’s discussion on social order and moral law. Raskolnikov attempts to justify the murder, yet deep in his soul there is an inevitable sense that the murder is wrong. The essence of right and wrong necessitates a judging power, be it society, or a greater, unseen, divine authority. This notion of such a pervasive authority dominates the novel and is an important theme surrounding Raskolnikov and his fate.
Although Raskolnikov had been thinking about burgling the old pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, had he not been present at the tavern to eavesdrop on the dialogue regarding the theory of killing the pawnbroker, he would never have carried out his plans. Raskolnikov is a moral man, a man with a conscience; this is revealed early in the story by his reaction to the letter from his mother. He is ashamed that he has wasted the money his family has sacrificed for him. He is also concerned with the happiness of his sister, Audotya Romanovna. Although Dounia is engaged in a practical marriage, one that will benefit Raskolnikov with a job, Raskolnikov is willing to sacrifice his own success for that of his sister, who he wishes to marry a man she loves rather than Luzhin. Notwithstanding his morality, the conversation Raskolnikov overhears provides a justification for the murder. His conscience is suspended, influenced by the logic of men.
Sonia Semyonovna shows Raskolnikov what can be accomplished with a faith in God by her inspiring display of unconditional love and forgiveness for him. Whoring herself out for the sake of her family, she is sinning but not in the same vein as Raskolnikov has done. Sonia has weighed all considerations, and has chosen to take the yellow ticket, all the while bearing in mind her own spiritual demands. She chooses to accept all the ignominy and loneliness with the hope that it leads toward the well-being of her family. She finds redemption through her suffering. Raskolnikov only realizes this very late in the novel, when he himself is learning that the spiritual side of things must be taken into account.
No amount of reason and logic can justify the murder of a woman without some role of spirituality. Raskolnikov’s justification of the murder of Alyona Ivanovna does not consider this aspect. “One death, and a hundred lives in exchange—it’s simple arithmetic?” (I-VI) he hears in the tavern. But the fact of the matter is that it is not just simple arithmetic. It is so much more complicated, and one would be a fool to overlook the spiritual and moral implications of such a murder. However, blinded by his flawed reasoning for carrying out the murder, Raskolnikov slowly but surely advances toward the actual completion of his project.
Raskolnikov shows not remorse, but rather regret prior to the confession of his deed. He shows extreme regret, disappointment in himself and aggravation in the dire, dangerous position he has put himself in. He has lost self-respect, and his instinctual response to hold onto a shred of pride is made manifest by his fervent efforts to foil the investigation of the police, including Porfiry Petrovich.
If one does not take into account his own spirituality, one cannot find success in any life. The logic of man is flawed, but the divine will is perfect and of course an excellent source of advice. One must recognize the imperfection in man. This imperfection is not the root of sin, but it is also the root of forgiveness. The acknowledgement and acceptance of our shortcomings before each other and before God, incidentally the fifth step in the twelve-step program, is a necessary part of exploring ourselves and of developing our identity. Through suffering and atoning on can obtain redemption. A rationalistic approach to moral issues does not provide success. A faith in the workings and will of God will provide forgiveness and salvation. In Dostoevsky’s world, one cannot simply disregard the cries of his soul. They are most definitely present and have the utmost importance, ultimately dictating what one does and how he does it. For success, the sanctity of the soul must be maintained. Casting aside one’s conscience, as Raskolnikov does, leads one into intense misery. Moreover, any sort of blasphemous “superhuman” theory completely disavows the humbleness of mankind in comparison to God.