In Russian, "Raskolnik," or "Raskol," means "schism." A schism is a deep separation in something. For example, the split between the Catholic Church and the first Protestants (those who followed Martin Luther, or Lutherans) is referred to as the Great Schism.
Why did Dostoevsky name his hero such a divided name?
In keeping with our discussion of identity, what does this mean about his interior nature?
This novel is chock-full of interior monologue on everything from megalomania to poverty. You should be able to figure out something for Raskolnikov's name.
Happy Thinking,
Mr. B
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In my opinion I think the reason why the name was picked is because the actions that Raskolnikov displayed were not connected to his conscious aim and was totally contradictory towards simple morality. He tries very hard to be different than everyone else just like Okonkwo trying to be opposite from his father.Because to the willpower use in that situation, the person creates a disconnection between ethics and actions, this is influenced by "what one doesn't want to be". The difference in Raskolnikov is that because of his actions it ossified him, his heart and ability to acknowledge the importance of human life. This lets him focus more on his ego.
ReplyDeleteI think that Dostoevsky named his hero "schism" because that was truely what Raskolnikov's personality was like. His personality was divided on so many issues, most of them seeming to stem from his Napoleon theory on crime. Part of him believed he was a "Napoleon," while the other was horrified at the very thought. This division bled through to all the other aspects of his life. The division manifests itself in his continuing internal debates, one side winning him over for a time, than yeilding to the other. His actions seem so different when one half is in control than when the other is, at times he will be compassionate, then turn around and bite someone's head off for being nice to him. He believes so much in helping people, yet advocates the killing of innocents to merely prove that one CAN kill. He is a man of opposites, and his contridictory halves cannot remain in harmony after he murdered to pawn shop owner. Raskolnikov seems to represent the impossibility of helping others through destruction and violence.
ReplyDeleteDang. I think Brendan nailed it.
ReplyDeleteI tried to find another way to answerit but I couldn't. I second Greg's comment. Good job, Mr. Shepard
ReplyDeleteRaskolnikov was indeed divided within himself, and this "schism" cause more divisions. He is divided from his family, his friends, his past, and his society. Raskolnikov effectively divides himself from all humanity, and in turn, loses his own. A persons identity comes from other people acknowledging you, much in the same way semantics creates a thing by giving it a name. By cutting himself off from society, he loses his identity.
ReplyDeleteRas (yes, that's my name for him) is named after schism because he has an intense inner battle going on. Chapter 2 is completely about Ras helping Mars (yep, another creative name) because he feels bad for Mars' pathetic life. He helps him and his family by leaving them money on their windowsill although he himself doe not have money to spare. This chapter shows that Ras has a very good side to him. however as the book goes on we see the other half of his nature when he commits murder only to prove that he can. His internal battle continues and gets worse as the story progresses and we understand more why Dostoevsky named his character "schism."
ReplyDeleteI honestly think that he is insane. He continues to add to his level of insanity by dwelling on all his moral dilemmas and mental anguish. He seems torn between being the good guy and the bad guy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brendon's and Anna's views. Maybe he had a personality disorder, maybe he was crazy, maybe the enviroment around him made him the way he was. The stress of a normal life, of not being able to do anything does that to people. He wanted to be different, and in doing so he became an outcast. That would make anyone crazy. Only when he was in jail did he feel an ounce of some sort of peace, in my opinion. I'm very sure he's a self-destructive character, though.
ReplyDeleteHe named the character that because the character was separated. He was split into two different views: Two different strong views. He kept trying to be a good guy, then the bad views would slip into his head (killing). I think he was confused. Everybody questions what is wrong and what is right, he just took his questioning a little further than most people would have liked.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I don't believe Raskolnikov was a hero. A hero is someone who thinks of others before himself and actually committs difficult acts for the common good; a hero is someone who OVERCOMES his natural desire to give into to such a wild fantasy. Second, raskol means schism because Raskolnikov was split in his identity. He thought of himself as above the average, as exceptional, and yet he lived in poverty, was ashamed of his clothes, his home, what his life had become. If someone is ashamed of themselves, how can they think they're above others? Also he splits between the person he should be and the person he wants to be. He's miserable after the murders, and then he's calm and collected, secure in his decision because of his "superioty" and obvious success. But his guilt, his worry grows within him because at the end of the day, whether or not he truely believes in the "superhero" personna of some, he knows that he is the person he should be, he's far from superior and incapable of being anything but punished, by himself and others.
ReplyDeleteThat rascal Raskolnikov.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone has sufficiently covered the meaning behind his name...he's obviously divided in his thought processes. One moment he's thinking calm thoughts and is secure in his success and superiority, and the next moment he is wallowing in guilt and shame.
What a character.
Though this is very irritating in the book quite a bit of the time, it does resemble everyone's inner nature (not that we all go around feeling guilty for murder, but you know). People waver, think in tangents or loops instead of straight and concise lines, and have inner mind struggles. I also think that part of Raskolnikov's problem is that he thinks so highly of himself, half the time he's blowing his cover just to see how far he can push without getting caught (though that obviously didn't work out...). Like the scene in the restaurant with that Z-guy that's not Zossimov.
I think his divided name accurately describes his nature. He was divided on so many issues, and a "schism" portrays his thoughts and personality.
ReplyDeleteI remember in class the other day, we talked about the duality in Crime and Punishment and how Raskolnikov had two sides to him. I think Dostoevsky name the character this becuase it was something that would be noticable to a reader who was truly analyzing the story. He wanted people to see the two sides of Raskolnikov and how it impacted the story as a whole.
ReplyDeleteBoth Dostoevsky and Raskolnikov are sporatic in thought and action. I mean, really? The two men go from one place to the next... eventually ending up in a place where no one in their right mind would have anticipated. I agree whole-heartedly with Ashley. Raskolnikov was not a hero at all. He was the central character, yes, but he was not heroic in manner, character, or deed. I mean seriously... Rarely does the general audience consider an insane murderer heroic, maybe that's just me.
ReplyDeleteAs it’s already been pointed at many times before, Raskolnikov’s name is used to allude to his dual personality. Half of him wishes to be this great being whose is above the law which leads him to commit murder. Twice. But the other half of him, awakened only after killing the innocent Lizaveta, isn’t too fond of killing people and gives into the guilt. The result is Raskolnikov unconsciously sabotaging himself while at the same time attempting to confess. Dostoevsky showed Raskolnikov’s spilt persona through his language too.
ReplyDeleteThe use of “Raskol” probably referenced to Raskolnikov stance in society as well as he tried to separate himself from and above humanity.
Also, the true effect Raskolnikov's symbolic name was possibly subdued in the translation. If a native Russian speaker were to read Crime and Punishment, he/she might notice the association between “Raskolnikov” and “Raskol”. Then small details showing a schism in either Raskolnikov or his surroundings would stand out and mean more to me. Even the translated title isn’t as potent as the original.
Also also, I think Raskolnikov is, in his own right, (by definition) a hero.
Well Portia, don't leave us hanging. Why is Raskolnikov a hero in his own right?
ReplyDelete