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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. Where does Svidrigaylov go after his meeting with Sonia?

2. For what reason does Porfiry say he has come to see Raskolnikov?

3. What does Profiry say the murderer regards himself as?

4. What is Mrs. Marmaladov forcing her children to do?

5. Who does Raskolnikov spot in a restaurant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Luzhin make Sonia look guilty?

2. Do you think Raskolnikov has finally accepted his guilt?

3. In what ways does Porfiry show what perceptive detective he is?

4. How does Luzhin use his wealth?

5. Why is making a public confession so difficult for Raskolnikov?

6. What does Chapter four show about Svidrigaylov's character?

7. In the epilogue how does Dostoevsky distance the reader from Raskolnikov?

8. Do you think Svidrigaylov and Raskolnikov's confession is the miracle that Svidrigaylov claims?

9. How is Mrs. Marmaladov different to Raskolnikov?

10. What do you think Dunya represented to Svidgaylov?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Raskolnikov and Sonia form a strong bond that Dostoevsky suggests will lead into a lasting relationship. What similarities do you think Sonia and Raskolnikov share? Why do you think Sonia is so important to Raskolnikov's character? What do you think would happen to Raskolnikov if Sonia did not try to help him?

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

The main themes in the novel are crime, poverty and justice. Take one of these themes and discuss how Dostoevsky expresses them in the book? Why do you think these themes were important concerns in nineteenth century Russia?

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