CP+Discussion+Question+5

T Brown, S Barloon, L Thunell, A Williams



5. Discuss the scene in which Roskolnikov meets Sonya in her room and he asks her to read the story of Lazarus. What makes this scene so effective? What does Roskolnikov mean when he tells Sonya she is "necessary" to him?


 * Sonya is frightened by Rosklnikov's sudden appearance.
 * She reveals that Lizaveta was a friend of hers.
 * He demands that she read him the story of Lazarus.
 * The story has a special personal meaning to Sonya.
 * Rodya asks Sonya to abandon society with him as he sees parallels to their transgression (violation of law) of moral law (her prostitution and destroying her life morally/ Rodya destroying his life when he murdered the pawn shop owners).
 * There is a foreshadowing that he will reveal his crime to her.
 * Svidrigailov overheard their conversation through the walls.
 * Sonya's character strengthens religious faith.
 * The story of Lazarus explains the resurrection by Jesus of the dead Lazarus, bringing him back into socirty. It is symbolic of Rodya hope to close the gap that separates him from society.
 * Rodya needs Sonya because she is a compassionate and understanding person. Also, her religiuos faith and belief of faith and forgiveness is compelling to his confused and complex thoughts.
 * Throughout the novel you realize that his love for Sonya is the only reason he was strong enough to confess his crimes and this is why he needs her. Also, he shares a close bond that he is unable to achieve with other characters.(emotional and spirtual)



Quotes Chapter Four

"I have only you now," he added. "Let us go together.... I've come to you, we are both accursed, let us go our way together!

"No one of them will understand, if you tell them, but I have understood. I need you, that is why I have come to you." "I don't understand," whispered Sonia. "You'll understand later. Haven't you done the same? You, too, have transgressed... have had the strength to transgress. You have laid hands on yourself, you have destroyed a life... your own (it's all the same!). You might have lived in spirit and understanding, but you'll end in the Hay Market.... But you won't be able to stand it, and if you remain alone you'll go out of your mind like me. You are like a mad creature already. So we must go together on the same road! Let us go!"

"I know and will tell... you, only you. I have chosen you out. I'm not coming to you to ask forgiveness, but simply to tell you. I chose you out long ago to hear this, when your father talked of you and when Lizaveta was alive, I thought of it. Good-bye, don't shake hands. To-morrow!"

"But all that time Mr. Svidrigailov had been standing, listening at the door of the empty room."