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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the doctor that visits Rashkolnikov?

2. In what month does the story begin?

3. Why does Raskolnikov leave?

4. Why did Luzhin want to marry Dunya so much?

5. What does Raskolnikov's mother compare his room to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sonia symbolize to Raskolnikov?

2. How does Raskolnikov feel after the murder?

3. In what way does Dunya and Mrs. Raskolnikov's new situation aide Razumikhin?

4. What is a magistrate in the context of this book?

5. What do you think the horse symbolizes in Raskolnikov's dream?

6. What influence do you think Sonia and Porfiry are having on Raskolnikov?

7. What does Raskolnikov think of his sister's fiance Luzhin?

8. How does Dostoevsky create so much drama in the murder scene?

9. In way can the reader sympathize with Raskolnikov?

10. What does the first chapter say about Raskolnikov's character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sonia attempts to preach Raskolnikov the bible. In what way is religion the antithesis of Raskolnikov's high ideas? Do you think Dostoevsky represents religion as the only way Raskolnikov can overcome his guilt? What do you think is Dostoevsky's own views on religion?

Essay Topic 2

Porfiry is probably the cleverest character in the book and quickly works out Raskolnikov.

1) What do you think are Porfiry's goals? How does he achieve his goals?

2) In what way do you think Porfiry wins Raskolnikov's respect and ultimately his trust? Do you think that Porfiry has sympathy for Raskolnikov?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the class distinctions below and describe their living conditions in 19th century Russia.

1) Working class

2) Middle class

3) Upper-class

Do you think Dostoevsky portray a severe inequality in Russian society?

(see the answer keys)

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