The Evolution of the Existential Psyche of Raskolnikov through Crime an

The introspective and self-scrutinizing nature of Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment, allows for us to delve into the empirical rationales that warrant and influence the decisions and courses of action that he carries out. It is critical to explore the workings of Raskolnikovs mind, to understand the motives by which he is compelled by to perform the heinous murder of Alyona the pawnbroker. By examining Raskolnikovs psyche, characterization, and decision reservation processes, which ar characterized by his constant schisms and dichotomies, we can gain an understanding of how the depiction of existentialist ideals as represented by Raskolnikov, evolve through the while of the novel. The changing attitude of Raskolnikov, the environment by which he is surrounded by, as well as the relationships and encounters he has, influence and form the existential tendencies that Raskolnikov personifies. The existential philosophies portrayed by Raskolnikov range from embodying Nietzsches bermensch to Kierkegaards Christian existentialist theories. To push address and progress the points of emphasis in understanding the evolution of Raskolnikovs existential psyche, it is crucial that the definitions of existentialism, Nietzsches bermensch, Nihilism, and Christian existentialism (as prescribed by Kierkegaard) are established. Existentialism will be defined with respect to the idea that earth precedes essence for consistencys sake. According to existentialism, there are no established, nescient set of truths, meaning there is no established innate sense of morality. Life is, therefore, inherently meaningless in comparison of the grand expanse of the universe that surrounds us (Holmes 146). The discussion of existentialism brings on... ...hat surround him. The heretic nature of his mind follows him throughout the novel, giving a glimpse of his faltering, on the fence(predicate) mind which only changes after Sonya humanizes Raskolnikov through her religiosity. In this way, Dostoevsky overtly communicates his printing that Russian ideals, as represented by Christian existentialism, supersede occidental ideals, as represented by the nihilist overtones within Crime and Punishment. deeds Cited Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. Trans. Constance Garnett. New York Barnes and Noble Classics, 2007. Print.Holmes, Clellon John. Existentialism and the Novel Notes and Questions. Chicago Review, Vol. McDonald, William. Sren Kierkegaard. Stanford University. Stanford University, 03 Dec. Pratt, Alan. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Nihilism . Embry-Riddle University, n.d.