In this chapter we also see Razumikhin give a rehearsed
apology to his mother. He speaks kindly in a very normal sounding way (within
society’s conventions), yet does not seem to mean any of it. I think all of his
kind actions may be like this, done not out of love, but from duty. Despite his
self-centered thoughts, when he sees people in need, he immediately helps,
without even thinking about it, only to realize afterwards that his actions did
not match up with his thoughts. This battle also fits into the “reason vs.
senses” that has come up again and again—his senses tell him to do good for
others, while his reason keeps him self-centered. With Dunya in this chapter,
we see an interesting mix of the two sides. He is thinking of her, but in a
self-centered way. Once again, though, he changes his mind quite suddenly, and
tells her to marry whomever she’d like. In this instance, the lines are blurred—it
could be construed as “right” for him to stop telling her to not marry Luzhin,
as he is recognizing it as her decision, but it could also be “right” for him
to care enough about her that he does not want her to marry a man who he
believes does not care about her.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Roundup Post #2 for November 8: Lisa
I think we should
discuss Razumikhin’s struggle between being self-centered and giving to others.
We’ve seen this struggle several times, and it comes up again in this chapter
as he is certain Dunya is marrying Luzhin out of love for himself, instead of
for her own reasons. In fact, it seems every time he performs a kind deed, he
never thinks about what other people are feeling or thinking—he is thinking
purely about himself, even while doing good for others. For example, re-read
the story of the drunk girl (starting on page 46); not one of Razumikhin’s
thoughts involves the girl’s thoughts or feelings, or even sympathizes with
her, which is strongly juxtaposed to the police officer. Razumikhin is focused
purely on the details of the scene.
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I think your point about "blurred lines" is the furthest we can take the idea of reason versus senses within the context of Dunya's marriage, judging on the place we are in the book. It is not yet clear whether Raskolnikov actually believes that Dunya should marry as she pleases, as he not only comments during one of his "sudden" surges of nihilism but also seems to be acquiescing under the strong words of his sister.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the notion that Dunya's marriage is another example of reason versus sense, but I think that Raskolnikov's rejection of his previous thoughts about his sister's marriage are influenced not as much by reason as a sense of nihilistic apathy. To take directly from the text, "'why am I making such a fuss? Why all this outcry? Go and marry whomever you like!'" (Dostoyevsky 233). I think based on Raskolnikov's wording, he doesn't have a rational explanation for his reversal in position but rather a sudden feeling of apathy - a sensation that he experiences on and off throughout his conversation with his family and Razumikhin.
I definitely do see where you are going as you describe the egotistical path Raskolnikov seems to be following. I too found that his conversation with his mom and sister seemed very prepared, and I continue to see a lack of emotion when he is actually taking actions and making decisions. Sure he does seem to feel regret after his actions (when he gives money for the drunk girl), but whenever he is in the moment, there is never a true spark of real emotion, simply just another step in his mechanical ways.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that Raskolnikov's actions, whether they are conscious or unconscious, ultimately stem from personal concern rather than concern for others. In this way, he is a sort of modified nihilist, in that his impulses tell him that what he does in the moment, such as giving money to the Marmeladov family or protecting a girl who he believes will be raped, will be of importance. However, once he leaves, he does not think of that person again. In short, they don't matter, but he does. This feeds into his self-centeredness that you mentioned. However, his nihilism is called into question when he gives an insincere apology to his mother and sister because it is expected. In this way, he is going along with society's conventions, the antithesis of nihilism. It is hard to tell where Raskolnikov stands in a nihilistic sense, but his self-centeredness and apathy are represented in all his actions.
ReplyDeleteI think you mean Raskolnikov? Anyhow, this idea is an interesting one, and I am also of the opinion that all of his actions are self-centered. I think the mechanical Raskolnikov that we discussed is the one who takes any actions seen as "morally good" or "kind". Why he does it, I am not sure, maybe he unthinkingly performs such acts because that is what society expects from him. However, once he begins to think for himself, he always regrets taking such actions, and his thoughts always revolve around doing things solely for himself. He is, essentially, a wholly self centered person.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Raskolnikov seems a bit emotionless in his apology to his mother and that most of his actions have to do, but are not centered around his own self interest. He wishes to stop the marriage because he does not want Dunya to put her self in that situation both because it makes him feel guilty and because it is not right for Dunya. I believe we are judging Raskolnikov too harshly here, for are not all our decisions based somewhat upon our own self interest?
ReplyDelete-evan
I believe that Raskolnikov's egotism reflects his inability to connect with people and in turn society. You are correct in noticing that pretty much all of his actions lack genuine emotion. Outside forces influence actions but only do so superficially and he does not exhibit any human sentiment until afterwards.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do agree with the fact that Raskolnikov's charitable, on the spot, actions are separated from that of his more egoist and nihilist state of mind, I do not think that once he reaches this self-centered mindset that his care for others is completely lost. Like Evan said, most if not all of our decisions somewhat involve our own ideals about the situation. In the case of Dunya's marriage, Raskolnikov does not want her to go through with it because he believes she will be unhappy and is only marrying Luzhin for his own sake. When she protests, however, Raskolnikov quickly reevaluates the situation and tells her to marry whoever she wants, knowing that she has made up her mind and his opinion will not matter. While it may be twisted in some way, we can see through this situation that Raskolnikov still takes into account the opinions of others.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Raskolnikov has these two sides that face off against one another. He feels the need to constantly monitor all that he does and not only justify it, but also find ways to prove how the action was wrong. I think by him seemingly backing off and saying to Dunya that she *may* marry Luzhin if she wants, Raskolnikov is taking a step forward and pushing the two sides away. He is not self-centered and he isn't exactly giving in to Dunya because he is still opposed to the marriage and Luzhin. Instead he acknowledges that another person may be able to form their opinions which may be able to hold true.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting how you associated Raskolnikov's kindness and egotism with senses and reason. I completely agree with you; we often see a change in Raskolnikov's heart along with his senses/reasoning flips. But I disagree with the "mix" you describe. It isn't a mix but rather a replay of the very same charade we see in his actions time and time again. He shifts his awareness and his emotions follow. However, it is interesting to note that his senses, which urge him to stop his sister's wedding, appear to be very self-centered. I do not believe that they are truly self centered, since I think he truly wishes the best for his sister. But the fact that Dostoyevsky is masking his service in selfishness is a point worth reflecting on...
ReplyDeleteI think it is important to analyze how Raskolnikov falls back into patterns, attempts to deviate, and conforms again. I agree that throughout the novel so far, he has been completely selfish in his actions, always thinking of himself. The only time we have not seen this is in the case with Marmaledov, in which he reacts so hastily (still thinking about himself), but afterwards, usually when he would regret this decision, Polenka changes that. Her gratitude forces him to think about his actions as they relate to others. The arrival of his mother and sister, though, rekindles old sentiments and reignites the egoism he felt earlier. He is unable to think about his sister's motivations as not applying to him and is ultimately chastised for it.
ReplyDeleteBased on the evidence given from the text and in his interactions with Raskolnikov's family and Raskolnikov himself I conclude that Razumikihn is not deceptive in any way and helps character solely centers around the help and support of others. His role in the novel is solely to bring light to the darkness of the murders and death. I feel that he is not self centered, but often times has trouble prioritizing his thoughts and kindness towards what is most important to him and what should be most important to him.
ReplyDelete