- 1
Why does Raskolnikov want the crosses from Sonia? What do those crosses represent?
As Raskolnikov states, the crosses represent him “taking up his cross,” or accepting the suffering that is due to him. Even though he’s a murderer, Raskolnikov sees himself as representing the suffering of the human race, and sharing in the suffering experienced by Sonia and Dounia. Although he doesn’t believe it yet, that suffering connects him to God, at least from the novel’s perspective.
- 2
Why doesn’t Raskolnikov ask for Ilya Petrovitch when he goes to the police station? How does Ilya Petrovitch’s involvement in Raskolnikov’s arrest advance the novel’s themes?
Some may argue...
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