crime and punishment

A detailed Summary of crime and punishment

In the novel Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, appearance versus reality is a dominant theme. The theme of appearance versus reality is displayed through the irony of character's situations. This major theme is also enhanced by the author's tone in certain situations. The characters Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Svidrigailov, are each involved in an ironic situation that characterizes them, and adds to the theme.

Raskolnikov's situation is very ironic. Raskolnikov is a poor, dirty, ex-student who commits a very immoral crime. Even though Raskolnikov commits the act of murder, he is a character of high morals. This is the irony is his situation. His high moral standards are shown through many aspects in the novel. One specific event that shows Rodya's values is when he leaves his last bit of money for the Ivanovna family. This event shows that Raskolnikov cares, and does what he can to help others. Another example of the generosity Rodya has is when he gives money to the police offic

Another character's situation that seems very ironic is Sonia's. Sonia is a protistute in St. Petersburg. The people of the city look upon her as a disgrace and she must suffer because of this. Though Sonia has an occupation considered to be very immoral, her own individual situation may justify her immoral act. Sonia is a very poor, young girl. Her entire family looks to her for support. So she decides to suffer for the sake of her loved ones, and become a protistute to provide for her family. Sonia is considered corrupt by society, but she is actually the person with the highest morals. This is a very ironic situation. The author's tone shows Sonia is very religious and strives not to have a sinful nature. The author's tone and the irony of Sonia's situation add to the theme of appearance versus reality.

er to help the drunk and beat up young girl. Raskolnikov has no money for even himself, but still gives all he can to help others. This seems very ironic since he kills two human beings.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Sonia Svidrigailov, St Petersburg, Crime Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Raskolnikov Svidrigailov, author's tone, appearance versus reality, appearance versus, versus reality, theme appearance, theme appearance versus, Svidrigailov Svidrigailov, enhanced author's tone, enhanced author's, sonia svidrigailov, Sonia's Sonia, adds theme, ironic situation, , Raskolnikov Sonia, situation enhanced author's, situation author's tone, characters raskolnikov, involved ironic,

Approximate Word count = 672
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.

crime and punishment

Related Essays

Professional Essays

Saved Paper

Newest Essays

Testimonials