A profound philosophical message underlies the novel of Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. The image of Raskolnikov (the main character) is very complex and controversial. His whole essence unfolds gradually, from the first chapter to the last. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to consider the formation and transformation of the image in parts of the novel.
Part one
In this part, which consists of seven chapters, we get acquainted with the main character. At the very beginning of the work, the author describes the external characteristics of Rodion Romanovich. He is handsome, thin and well-built, dark-Rus, his height is above average, he has beautiful dark eyes. And then the emphasis is on an extremely distressing situation. Dostoevsky writes that Rodion is dressed in absolute rags, in which another person would be very ashamed to walk along the street.
Next, the initial image of Raskolnikov begins to take shape. He is obsessed with the crazy idea that completely swallowed him. A man is considering whether he can decide on a crime "for the good of mankind." And when Rodion began to doubt his decision, he went to the drinking room, where anxious thoughts left him.
He meets Marmeladov, his wife and children. Rodion learns about his daughter Sonya, who went to the panel so that the family would not starve to death. A letter from her mother in which she writes about the situation with Dunya infuriates him. These facts reinforce the idea of ​​accomplishing the plan.
The image of Raskolnikov sharply contrasts with the image of his comrade Razumikhin. He, too, is poor, but he perceives the hardships of fate in a completely different way.
This part describes Rodion's dream, which is based on childhood memories. Here we see a little boy sympathizing and empathizing with the horse killed by the owner. But the cute image of Raskolnikov, a child who was very upset because of the death of the animal, dissipates like a dream. We are faced with a cold-blooded and carefully thought-out man. At the time of the atrocity, he is dizzy, his hands become weak for an instant. However, he swings and kills the old woman, and then accidentally entered Lizaveta. After that, fear seized him. With every minute in Rodion disgust grew due to the crime.
Part two
In this part, the image of Raskolnikov continues to take shape. He is madly afraid that he will be suspected, and carefully hides evidence. He is not interested in stolen money. Rodion hates everything around him and is annoyed that he deliberately went to such an ugly and mean thing.
Being at home, he begins to rave. This goes on for four days. When Razumikhin and Zosimov talk about the murder, Rodion becomes even worse. The arrival of Luzhin still exacerbates his well-being. He recalls his sister and mother. Despite the general weakness, Rodion Raskolnikov (whose image is already looming somewhat) boldly expresses all that he thinks of this vile person.
The meeting and conversation with Zametov emphasize how Raskolnikov is tormented in his soul. As if in a fit, he makes his interlocutor think that he himself committed the murder. And then he very quietly asks: “What if I killed the old woman and Lizaveta?” Zametov does not take these words seriously, comparing Raskolnikov with a madman.
The main character thinks about suicide. He returns to the scene of the crime.
Crushed by horses Marmeladova sees Rodion Raskolnikov. His image is revealed from one more side. This is a kind and not greedy person. He is ready to give the last to help the family of the deceased, with whom he was barely familiar. Rodion is not a believer, but now he is asking Sonya to pray for him.
Part three
Raskolnikov meets with his mother and sister. At first glance it may seem that he is cold and overly cruel to them. However, thoughts about the crime did not leave him for a second. He is so tormented and begins to hate himself that it is unbearable for him to be with his "pure" and "bright" relatives. Therefore, the image of Raskolnikov (the composition is stated through the prism of all chapters) is very complex and internally contradictory.
He invites Sonya, introduces her to her mother and Dunya. Her humiliation strikes him, Rodion becomes very sorry for the poor girl.
In this part, there is a conversation with investigator Porfiry Petrovich, in which Raskolnikov's theory is revealed . He is trying to prove that for the sake of something great, any sacrifice can be made. In his opinion, people are divided into ordinary and extraordinary. The first he gives this definition: "louse", or "creature trembling." He compares the second with Napoleon.
Upon returning home, Rodion again weakens. He understands that conscience does not allow him to forget about the murder. Raskolnikov decides that he is a “louse”. All these thoughts and feelings complement the image of Rodion Raskolnikov.
Antipode
Another contrast to the main character is Svidrigailov. This is an overly self-serving, cunning, ugly person, who turned out to be here not by chance. Raskolnikov immediately feels that this is an unpleasant person. But Svidrigailov seems strange to Rodion, since he does not know his main goal.
In this part, the image of Rodion Raskolnikov acquires new facets. He is struggling for the honor and dignity of his sister. Despite the protests, he succeeds, and takes Luzhin to clean water. He is glad that his mother and Dunya open their eyes to this vile person whom he immediately recognized.
He needed a visit to Sonya, like air. He does not understand how this unhappy girl won his trust. But Rodion decided that it was she who should listen to him.
The interrogation of Porfiry Petrovich shows that at the right moment Rodion can be dodgy. He does not admit the crime, and the investigator has only speculation, there are not enough facts.
Part five
We continue to consider the great work. The image of Raskolnikov is complemented by new colors. Rodion Romanovich comes to the wake to Katerina Ivanovna, where, through the fault of Luzhin, an absurd situation occurs with Sonechka. Lebezyatnikov and Raskolnikov save an innocent girl who was slandered by this ignoble man.
Rodion Raskolnikov confesses to Sonya that he committed the crime. The man again talks about his theory, which the girl is trying to understand with all her might. He asks himself the question: "Am I a trembling creature or do I have the right ...". Sonya does not understand how he decided on this. The girl says that Rodion must atone for his guilt and accept suffering. However, Raskolnikov believes that he has nothing to repent of.
Complete opposites
And again, the figure of Raskolnikov is opposed by Svidrigailov. Disgusting acts, the desire to possess the Dunya at all costs are disgusting. Raskolnikov, despite the crime committed, seems much more noble and honest. You can characterize him as having gone astray from a true or very confused, doomed person.
Raskolnikov comes to his mother and says goodbye to her. The man finally tells her how much he loves her.
Sonya for a reason appeared in Rodion's life. It was she who convinced him to confess. Raskolnikov comes to the station and amazes everyone with his sincere recognition.
Epilogue
The finale is striking in its suddenness. It would seem that everything is clear: crime is punishment. However ... Here is the transformation of the image, which was announced at the beginning.
Raskolnikov received eight years of hard labor. Sonya followed him to Siberia, where she saw her lover at the gates of the prison on holidays.
He behaves with the girl very rudely, but gradually gets used to her visits. Rodion falls ill with a wounded pride. The offender blames himself for confessing. Raskolnikov repeatedly asks himself the question of why he did not commit suicide, like Svidrigailov. Rodion nearly died at the hands of the convicts. But it was not fate for him to leave this world. Resurrection awaited him.
At the next date with Sonya, he realizes that he loves her. This is exactly the girl who was able to turn his inner world. Rodion is ready to wait another seven years of hard labor. Now he has someone to live for. Thanks to Sonya, he felt like he had risen. And the convicts began to treat him differently. For a long time a book from Sonya — the Gospel — lay under his pillow. And now a thought flashed: “Can her beliefs not be mine now?” Her feelings, her aspirations, at least ... "
Conclusion
Everyone, of course, will write an essay on the theme “The Image of Raskolnikov” in his own way. But the attentive reader cannot miss the main idea. External emphasis is placed on crime and subsequent punishment. And the whole novel is full of life situations and philosophical thoughts. The main characters of the book, like people in real life, are in stark contrast to each other. Everyone has their own thoughts and feelings, their own destiny. A somewhat veiled idea is faith in God. Perhaps Raskolnikov would not have committed a crime if he had not thought only about his theory, but was guided by something higher.
And another idea that comes to the surface at the end of the novel is that love can resurrect a person’s soul.