CRIME and PUNISHMENT
PART 6, CHAPTER 2

1. What unnerving thing does Porfiry reveal to Raskolnikov? Why do you think he uses this ploy with Raskolnikov?

2. What important information does Porfiry give to Raskolnikov?

3. What are the circumstantial pieces of evidence Porfiry brings up to explain why he suspected Raskolnikov? Does he blame Raskolnikov for his suspecting him?

4. What two things does Porfiry have against Mikolka (or so he claims) that he doesn't have against Raskolnikov?

5. What does Porfiry proceed to do as he explains to Raskolnikov why he no longer suspects him? Why is it ironic? Why, do you think, Porfiry is proceeding in this matter?

6. According to Porfiry, what would Raskolnikov do if he were guilty? Did he do the thing Porfiry thought he would do? Did Raskolnikov fool Porfiry when he arrived at his office laughing and teasing Razumikhin? What is Porfiry doing?

7. Although there are many reasons to suspect Raskolnikov, what is the one thing Porfiry does not have?

8. What does Porfiry reveal about Mikolka? Does he believe Mikolka is guilty?
9. What does Porfiry say about the current times they live in? What is the source of the trouble? What is the resolution people seek to deal with these times? How might this relate to Raskolnikov?

10. What does Porfiry come out and describe in detail to Raskolnikov? Of what does he openly accuse Raskolnikov? What is Raskolnikov's reaction to this?

11. What does Porfiry encourage Raskolnikov to do?

12. According to Porfiry, what kind of man is Raskolnikov?

13. What strange words does Porfiry echo to Raskolnikov? Who said these words to him before? Why do you think these two very different men would say the exact same words - that he needs this certain thing - to Raskolnikov?

14. What does Porfiry say about suffering?

15. What does Porfiry believe about Raskolnikov?

16. A storm is brewing which will perhaps bring relief to the sweltering summer heat. What does this weather change portend for the direction of Raskolnikov's life?

17. What is the last request Porfiry makes of Raskolnikov before leaving his apartment?

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