Dialectical Journal Assignment
Character Study
As you read Crime and Punishment, keep a dialectical journal over Dostoevsky’s characters. Note items that the character says or does which help establish his/her character. Your evidence must span the course of the novel. On the first day of second semester, turn in your bestTHREE dialectical journals; these should be typed.
Note: You will make two columns on your paper. On the left side of the journal, you will copy a quote/passage from the novel and the page number of that quote. On the right side of the journal, you will comment about HOW(consult your notes on character and literary analysis terms—diction, tone, theme, conflict—anything that would make Perrine proud) that quote demonstrates character. Make thoughtful, insightful observations. Go beyond the obvious and study the following samples.
Evidence Inference/Commentary
“He had become so completely absorbed in himself, and isolated from his fellows that he dreaded meeting, not only his landlady but anyone at all.”
To avoid the landlady he would: “creep down the stairs like a cat and slip out unseen” (1).
Character: Marmeladov
“Evidently Marmeladov was a familiar figure here, and he had most likely acquired his weakness for high-flown speeches from the habit of frequently entering into conversation with strangers of all sorts in the tavern. This habit develops into a necessity in some drunkards, and especially in those who are looked after sharply and kept in order at home. Hence in the company of other drinkers they try to justify themselves and even if possible obtain consideration” (12). / From the very first page, Dostoevsky directly characterizes Raskolnikov as a severe introvert—distant both from society and reality. His initial diction, including adjectives such as “sick,” “frightened,” “ashamed,” “afraid,” “overstrained,” and “irritable,” is highly conducive to a dark mysterious tone and the creation of an equally strange, desperate protagonist. Dostoevsky’s foremost description forces the reader to develop a preliminary perception of Raskolnikov, the foundation from which a consistency of character may be judged (While inside the tavern and venturing through the countryside, Raskolnikov experiences a sense of peace and happiness—contrasting his original portrayal. Raskolnikov reverts back to his previous, ominous state upon learning of Dounia’s marriage arrangement and while planning the murder of the pawn broker, Alyona.). Lastly, this initial depiction justifies Raskolnikov’s instable mental condition. Without friends, his university studies, or financial resources, he resorts to reasoning with himself (often contradicting his first inclinations) and methodically analyzing every situation.
In essence, these few sentences summarize Raskolnikov’s entire encounter with Marmeladov. Dostoevsky creates irony in the fact that Raskolnikov, uncomfortable and anxious around others, is the unfortunate recipient of Marmeladov’s long-winded life story. Dostoevsky’s inclusion of such a lengthy dialogue represents the extent to which Marmeladov ponders his decisions (avoiding his family and his government “service,” accepting money from his only daughter, squandering funds for alcohol, etc.) He demands “pity” from the Lord, yet expresses his immense quilt for his actions, calling himself a “scoundrel,” and demands that he be “crucified.” This general confusion and self-contradiction parallels Raskolnikov’s mindset and emotions. Marmeladov and Raskolnikov each have sacrificial women in their families (having listened to Marmeladov’s account, Raskolnikov is determined not to rely upon his generous sister). Since this novel is an elegant social commentary, Dostoevsky, through the symbolic nature of this character, conveys the horrible, widespread effects of alcoholism in his country—interestingly, as explained in the introduction, the novel was originally named The Drunkard.
Maria Worthington—BlueValleyNorthHigh School—Overland Park, Kansas