CRIME and PUNISHMENT
Part 5; Chapter 4

1. Who does Raskolnikov go to see? What is his purpose in seeing this person?

2. Why does he ask who should live - Luzhin or Katerina? What theory is he espousing? Why is he really asking that question?

3. When Raskolnikov confesses, Sonya does the same gesture as Lizaveta when Raskolnikov killed her. Why does Dostoevsky have Sonya echo or mirror Lizaveta? Why does the writer use this device?

4. What does Sonya say about the suffering of Raskolnikov? What does she promise Raskolnikov?

5. Yet, when Raskolnikov speaks, Sonya can hear the voice of a murderer. What does this reveal about the character of Raskolnikov?

6. Why does Raskolnikov confess? Why does he choose to confess to this particular person?

7. To whom does he compare himself in order to explain his murderous actions?

8. What is the main difference between Raskolnikov and the person to whom he compares himself?

9. What emotional weakness does Raskolnikov admit to? What is the real reason he killed the pawnbroker? Who did he really kill when he lifted the ax?

10. What does Sonia tell him he must do in order to seek forgiveness? What is the symbolism of the crossroads?

11. Does Raskolnikov hear Sonia's words of advice? How does he justify his current behavior? Is he still holding out hope that he is what he aspires to be?

12. What does Sonia offer Raskolnikov to wear? What does this symbolize? Does he take the object? What does his refusal suggest? What is ironic about the two items? What is the symbolism of Sonia wearing the iron cross?

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