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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 his fiance?

2. How long is Raskolnikov's sentence?

3. What does Raskolnikov dream about?

4. Who does Mrs. Marmaladov give place of honor?

5. What country does Svidrigaylov say he is going to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What effect does Raskolnikov's decision to confess have on his mental state.

2. In what way does Dostoevsky show Dunya to be different to her brother?

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

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

5. How do you think not confessing to the murder will affect Raskolnikov?

6. In what way does Svidrigaylov's suicide confirm to the reader the complexity of his character?

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

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

9. How is Mrs. Marmaladov different to Raskolnikov?

10. Do you think Raskolnikov has to make a confession?

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

Raskolnikov states that the masses "are inferior men" who are "conservative, respectable and docile". Examine this statement in relation to Raskolnikov's character. Why do you think Raskolnikov is reacting against the masses? Do you think he believes what he says?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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