CRIME and Punishment
Part 6; Chapter 4

1. What was the deal Svidrigaylov struck with his wife, Marfa?

2. What is some of the strange and disturbing gossip surrounding Svidrigaylov?

3. What does Svidrigaylov mean when he says that Parasha "burst into tears, raised a yell that could be heard all over the place and raised a scandal"? What role did he figure in the scandal?

4. What does Svidrigaylov reveal about himself when he tells Raskolnikov about his relationship with Advotya Romanovna (Dounia, Raskolnikov's sister)?

5. What next amorous adventure does Svidrigaylov have planned for himself? How would you describe the relationship Svidrigaylov has with the sixteen year old girl? Describe the young girl's parents. What eventual fate have he and Madame Resslich planned for this young girl?

6. What does Svidrigaylov mean when he says, "Every man considers himself, and that man has the gayest life who is most successful in deceiving himself."

7. What other impoverished family has Svidrigaylov victimized?

8. Why does Svidrigaylov enjoy telling these depraved stories to Raskolnikov?

9. What does Svidrigaylov mean when he says that his way lies to the left and Raskolnikov's to the right?

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