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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 does Raskolnikov kill the old lady with?

2. What does Porfiry say will give itself away in the end?

3. What does Raskolnikov find around the women's neck?

4. Why does Porfiry not follow proper procedure?

5. Who is waiting for Raskolnikov when he wakes up?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is chapter six such an important scene in the novel?

2. In what way does Porfiry suggest Raskolnikov has made a mistake?

3. How seriously is Raskelnikov thinking about his unnamed idea?

4. In way does Raskolnikov show a weak will?

5. Why do you think Razumikhin is infatuated with Dunya?

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

7. Why do you think Dunya chooses her brother over her fiance Luzhin?

8. In what way does Luzhin's letter put the women in a difficult position?

9. In way can the reader sympathize with Raskolnikov?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Crime and Punishment is a psychological drama.

1) Using examples from the book describe what you think are the main elements of a psychological drama.

2) In what way is Raskolnikov a typical character from a psychological drama? Are there any similar characters in contemporary psychological dramas?

3) What influence do you think Crime and Punishment has had on the psychological novel?

Essay Topic 2

The painter Nicolas falsely confesses to the old lady's murder. What meaning do you think Nicolas's character brings to the novel? In what way do think Nicolas's social standing contributes to his false confession? What do think would have happened to Nicholas if he were found guilty? Do you think his punishment would of been more severe than Raskolnikov's?

Essay Topic 3

Dostoevsky introduces Svidrigaylov quite late into the novel. Examine Svidigaylov's character.

1) What do you think are the aims and conflicts of Svidrgaylov's character?

2) Why do you think Dostoevsky introduces Svidrigaylov into the story? What difference do you think he makes to the story?

3) What affect do you think his suicide has on the other characters? Does it change their outlook?

(see the answer keys)

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