1. Consider the proposition that fundamentally Raskolnikov progresses from the adherence to theory and ignorance of self to knowledge of self and rejection of theory.
2. What does Dostoevsky gain artistically by representing Sonya as a prostitute? What biblical character did he likely have in mind?
3. Choose the incidents that seem to be major crises in Raskolnikov's life and determine what each contributes to his development.
4. What irony and value are there in making Sonya the principal outside agent of Raskolnikov's redemption?
5. The structure of the novel allows Raskolnikov to have alternate interviews with Sonya and Svidrigailov. Discuss the relationship of these two characters to Raskolnikov.
