CP+Discussion+Question+6


 * Question 6- Part 1**: Later, in confessing the murder to Sonya, Roskolnikov claims, "Did I really kill the old woman? No, it was myself that I killed.... As for the old woman, it was the Devil that killed her, not I." What does he mean by this?

He means that he killed himself by letting the Devil into his life. He did this by being a negative, pessimistic citizen and by not living a good, healthy, moral life. The Devil inside of him was the one that actually killed the woman, not Roskolnikov himself. Raskolnikov mentions that "My killing the old woman was an evil thing to do." (pg. 496) The evilness of the act, which he openly admits, is indicative of demonic influence. Sonya also shared this setiment and mentioned to Raskolnikov, "You've strayed away from God, and God has laid His hand upon you and given you up to the devil!..." (pg. 499)


 * Part 2**: What motive does Roskolnilkov give for his murders?

He claims that he needed to kill someone to prove that he was exempt from the laws that bind man to society to prove his superman status. He aspired to and "wanted to become a Napolean." (pg. 495) He needed to prove to himself and others that he was above them. This is further shown when he says that "Whoever is strong and powerful in mind and spirit is their lord and master," (pg. 498) when refering to the ordinary people. The underlying reason behind this is revealed when he says "It wasn't the money I wanted as a result of killing. What I needed to know was... whether I was a quivering knave, or whether I had a right [to kill]." (pg. 500) This further shows that is was only to prove to himself that he was an extraordinary man, and above normal humans.


 * Part 3**: Why does he confess to Sonya?

He confesses to Sonya because he is trying to exorcise the Devil inside of him. Raskolnikov mentions that he killed " to make the dare- that was the only reason for it." (pg. 499) He realises that this was not a suitable reason. By confessing, he can rid himself of the burden that makes him feel that he has to be above others. He also realizes that he is not superhuman, and he has to confess to force himself to believe it.


 * Part 4**: Why doesn't the confession ease him of his inner torment?

He isn't sincere about his apology, and he cannot get the Devil to leave him. He says that "I know it was the devil that led me to do it." (pg. 499) The devil is strong and his influence is difficult to rid yourself of. He confesses with good intentions, but cannot yet believe that he isn's the superman he thought he was. It was not a true confession, but only one that skimmed the surface of his inner torment.