Crime and Punishment Lesson Plan

The first few chapters of Section One emphasize Raskolnikov's disgust with humanity. What makes him dislike humanity? How does Dostoevsky relate that disgust? Is his disgust understandable, from your perspective?

Raskolnikov seems to connect his hatred for humanity with his poor financial situation, and Dostoevsky’s prose also focuses on the heat and the shabby quality of the people around him. However, readers should also note the sense of superiority Raskolnikov has toward others. Not only does he think that he’s smarter and more important than others, but he also feels that it is a great wrong for someone of his intellect to live like he does.

How are economics...