Synthesis

Discuss the information revealed in the quotation spoken by Porfiry Petrovich, "It was too daring, too reckless. I thought to myself, if he is guilty he will be a formidable opponent. That was what I thought at the time. I was expecting you. But you simply bowled Zametov over and . . . well, you see, it all lies in this--that this damnable psychology can be taken two ways" (447 Gold; 418 Black).

Characterization

Discuss the behavior of Svidrigailov in Chapter 3 and why Raskolnikov accuses Svidrigailov of being a braggart (466 Gold; 436 Black).

Characterization

How and why does Svidrigailov continually compare Raskolnikov to Schiller (477 Gold; 445 Black)?

Symbolism

What could the Hay Market symbolize in part of the novel?

Analysis

Analyze why the character of Svidrigailov pursues the relationship with the thirteen year old girl, and discuss the possible underlying meaning of that relationship.

Evaluation

What conjecture can you make about Svidrigailov allowing Dounia to go free after she shot him? Evaluate both characters' behaviors in regard to the theme of the novel.

Cause and Effect

Discuss the cause and effect from Svidrigailov's interest in the thirteen year old, to his treatment thereafter of Dounia, and to his subsequent gift to Sofya Semyonovna.

Theme

How do the relationships of Svidrigailov and the women of the novel further the theme of the novel?

Symbolism

What may Svidrigailov's choice of tea mean immediately prior to his suicide?

Symbolism

Why was the last person to speak to Svidrigailov named Achilles?

Analysis

Analyze and comment on Raskolnikov's discussion with his sister about his vision of his crime (512-514 Gold; 477-480 Black)? What is the reader to learn from this exchange?