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Sunday, September 8, 2013

Part 1: Chapter 2-5 Reaction; Women in the Story


       Characteristics of certain women stood out to me most after reading these chapters. Like Sonia, Dunia is sacrificing her own comfort and morals to help support the family when the men in the family are incapable. Raskolinkov is ashamed and unhappy of his sister’s decision to marry Mr. Luzhin, even though he is benefiting, because he dose not want his sister to give up her pride and submit to a man like that. These incentives and the fact that Aliona Ivanovna will be alone in her apartment I think are what make Raskolinkov know exactly what he will do at seven o’clock the next day. I think he is trying to find ways to take responsibility for his family.
The horse that Mikolka dreadfully beats to death somewhat reminds me of the women in the story. I think its no mistake that Dostoevsky made this horse a female. Women like the Sonia, Dunia, and Katerina Ivanova are constantly giving or giving up part of themselves for their family. I think eventually, they will reach a breaking point. Raskolinkov’s father repeatedly said that Mikolka and the townspeople were just drunk which he used as an excuse for their actions.  That’s a theme that I notice, many drunken men and the women at their mercy.
The horse dream may have also been underlying guilt Raskolinkov feels for what he may possibly do to Aliona Ivanova. At first I thought it would just be to steal from her, however after the horrific dream, it may be something worse. He said , “I couldn’t stand it! Then why am I still…” This could pertain to not helping his sister, or him still thinking about taking advantage of Aliona Ivanova.
             

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