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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. How much longer does Raskolnikov have to serve of his prison sentence?

2. Who does Rasknikov visit at the beginning of the chapter?

3. What does Svidrigaylov say is the secret to seduction?

4. Who does Luzhin point to as his witness?

5. What does Raskolnikev remember Sonia telling him?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways are Svidrigaylov and Raskolnikov similar?

2. How does Raskolnikov finally find salvation?

3. How does Raskolnikov view a public confession?

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

5. Describe Svidrigaylov's character?

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

7. How does Dostoevsky portray Raskolnikov's conflicting emotions in chapter four?

8. How does Luzhin use his wealth?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dostoevsky represents family as an important, even essential part of Russian life. In what way does Raskolnikov's family help him when they arrive in St. Petersburg? Do you think that Raskolnikov would of committed the murder if his family had been in closer contact? In what way are the characters such as Luzhin with no family different to the characters with a family?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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