Duality

A detailed Summary of Duality


The theory of duality of personality is exhibited clearly in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment by the character Raskolnikov: Svidrigailov represents the cold, intellectual side of his personality and Sonia is a clear example of his humane, compassionate side. Let us examine these separate components of Raskolnikov's social traits.

Svidrigailov is the distinct representation of Raskolnikov's intellectual side which emphasizes self-will. He also represents a type of Nihilist superman. He feels that the world is essentially an evil place; therefore, in order to conform with the universe, he must be essentially evil. The universe, under this theory, is also meaningless and directionless, or man's main coarse is for the gratification of appetite. Every act that Svidrigailov performs is for his own pleasure and to place him above com


Raskolnikov's actions in the novel seem strange and contradictory because of his duality. A perfect display of such inconsistencies in his character is his initial resistance to his sister's engagement to Luzhin and then later feeling that she should marry "whom she pleases." His first reaction was with his humane side (Sonia) not wanting his sister to enter an undesirable marriage and then his intellectual side (Svidrigailov) contending that he must not concern himself with the insignificant problems of others.

The opposing side of Raskolnikov's character is Sonia Marmeladov. Her function is to redeem Raskolnikov. She represents Raskolnikov's warm, compassionate, humane side. This portion of his character operates without thought. His initial thought and actions in a situation are representations of this aspect of his personality. Ras

Some common words found in the essay are:
Sonia Marmeladov, Raskolnikov Svidrigailov, Petya Raskolnikov's, , Crime Punishment, raskolnikov's intellectual, essentially evil,

Approximate Word count = 572
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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