Crime and Punishment Extra Credit Essay Prompts


Crime and Punishment Essay #1

Marmeladov: “No Where to Turn”
 “No Place to Turn”; page 10 (Norton Edition)
Due March 16, 2018; however, you may turn it in any time before March 16, 2018. 
Please write a minimum 500 word analysis of Raskolnikov’s nightmare.

On page ten in CRIME and Punishment, the motif of hopelessness, of “no place to turn” is introduced. The motif of utter spiritual loneliness tolls throughout the passage as Raskolnikov, this strange isolated youth sits in a tavern with a pathetic, broken down old drunk who pours out the sordid details of his life. 
Please write a minimum 500 word analysis of how the story of Marmeladov and his daughter is an example of the Utilitarian Theory and its failure. (Refer to the upload on the blog regarding Mills and Bentham and the “Utilitarian Theory”.)


Crime and Punishment Essay #2
“The Beating Death of the Mare”
“The Nightmare of the Beating of the Mare” 
Part One; Chapter Five; Pages 46 - 50 (Norton Edition)
Due March 26th on schoology; however, you may turn it in any time before March 26th.
Please write a minimum 500 word analysis of Raskolnikov's nightmare.

Please write a minimum 500 word analysis of Raskolnikov’s nightmare of the torture and killing of the old mare. Be sure to analyze how each component of the dream - the mare, the little boy, the little boy’s father, and the drunken owner of the mare - may be seen as an aspect of Raskolnikov. 


Crime and Punishment Essay #3
“Delirium”; 
Due April 2, 2018 on schoology; however, you may turn it in any time before April 2, 2018. 
Minimum 500-word analysis. In a carefully constructed essay, examine the motif of delirium that Dostoevsky uses throughout the story. Note when and how it is used: after Raskolnikov’s commission of the crime, and before Svidrigaylov commits suicide.  What does Dostoevsky seem to be saying about Raskolnikov and the idea that he is an ubermensche? What does Dostoevsky seem to be saying about the character of both Raskolnikov and Svidrigaylov? Do these characters’ delirious states support or refute Nietzche’s ideas of the ubermensch? Why or why not? Give supporting details from the text. 

Crime and Punishment Essay #4
“Sonia”
Due April 13, 2018 in schoology; however, you may turn it in any time before April 13th. Minimum  500 word analysis. In a carefully constructed essay, examine the role of Sonia as prostitute, Christ-figure, and confessor for Raskolnikov, and the persecution of her by Luzhin. Examine her role within the context of the Lazarus story in the Bible.

Crime and Punishment Essay #5
“Katerina” 
Due on April 20, 2018; however, you may turn it in any time before April 27th.
Minimum of 500 word analysis.  In a carefully constructed essay,  examine the fall of Katerina, her illness, her disastrous wake for her husband, her family’s eviction, and the final scene in the street with her children. Examine Katerina’s fate - how much of her fate is a result of her decisions (free will) and how much of her fate is beyond her control?  Does the fall of Katerina prove or disprove the effectiveness of the Utilitarian Theory? Give specific examples of where it’s proven or disproven. Who steps in after Katerina’s death to help the orphans? Why is this ironic? Do you believe this person’s decision to help the family entirely altruistic? Why or why not? What is the significance of Katerina’s suffering? Is it redemptive for her and for Raskolnikov? If so, how?


Crime and Punishment Essay #6
“The Cross” 
Due April 27, 2018; however, you may turn it in any time before April 27, 2018
Minimum of 500 word analysis.  Examine the symbolism of the cross, specifically the scene in which Sonia gives Raskolnikov the cross, which ironically once belonged to Lizaveta, and when she sends him to confess and urges him to bow down and kiss the ground in humility at the crossroads. 

Crime and Punishment Essay #7
“Porfiry”
Due May 1, 2018 in schoology; however, you may turn it in any time before May 1st.
Minimum 500 word analysis.
In a well constructed essay, examine the character of Porfiry, the detective. Some argue that Porfiry is the only character who is the intellectual equal to Raskolnikov and the second most important character in the novel. Examine his role, his beliefs and the intellectual and psychological armory he brings to play in his contest of wills with Raskolnikov.

Crime and Punishment Essay #8
"Svidrigailov's Suicide" 
Due May 11, 2018 in schoology; you may turn it in any time before May 11th
500 minimum analysis
Please read carefully the scene in which Svidrigailov commits suicide and then write a well organized essay which examines Dostoevsky’s use of imagery, symbolism and motif to create the internal landscape of the character.









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