Section 4

This forum is for discussion of Crime and Punishment Section 4, which is broken down into two groups for discussion/post.

Section 4: Chapters 1-3
Section 4: Chapters 4-6

Section 4: Chapters 1-3:

Raskol pulls away from his family after he has decided that they are safe. Luhzin is out of the picture and Raz not only has a romantic interest, but a good heart, and he agrees to care for the family. Raskol pulls away partly for his own sake (mentioned previously) but also to spare his family and friend from what he believes is an eminent discovery.

Section 4: Chapters 4-6

Wow! These chapters just flew by, intense and interesting, the style keeps the reader feeling a sense of frenzy, similar to what Raskol is feeling.

We continue to see Raskol vascilate between his desire to confess and his desire to be free, and being sure that 'they' know something, to being sure that they know nothing.

Possibly a bit of foreshaddowing here, with Svid listening in on the conversation between Sonya and Raskol?

I also think that the comparison between Sonya and Raskol in chapter 4, illuminates the prideful and selfish nature of Raskol, compared to Sonya's selfless sacrifice for her family.

Raz keeps me guessing and I liked that in the story.

Luzhin returns but Dunya decides not to marry him showing that she is an intelligent woman and though she dearly loves her brother is not wiling to throw away everything The breaking of the engagement is a a relief for Raskolnikov, too. He begins to see that Razumikhin will take care of Dunyas future.