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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the craftsmen call Raskolnikov?

2. What does Nicolas confess to?

3. Who is Raskolnikov surprised to hear Sonia was friends with?

4. What does Raskolnikov's mother compare his room to?

5. Why did Raskolnikov leave his family home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think it says about Razumikhin that he is so close to guessing the truth of the murder?

2. What does the letter show about Raskolnikov's relationship with his family?

3. Why is Nicolas suspected of the murder?

4. How do you think the people in Raskolnikov's dream relate to his current situation?

5. In way can the reader sympathize with Raskolnikov?

6. How does Dostoevsky create so much drama in the murder scene?

7. How does Raskolnikov hide his guilt?

8. Why do you think Raskolnikov arranges to meet Porfiry?

9. What does Raskolnikov think of his sister's fiance Luzhin?

10. What does Sonia symbolize to Raskolnikov?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main themes in the novel are crime, poverty and justice. Take one of these themes and discuss how Dostoevsky expresses them in the book? Why do you think these themes were important concerns in nineteenth century Russia?

Essay Topic 2

As Raskolnikov wanders around St. Petersburg, he feels tremendous guilt for his crime. What is it about Raskolnikov's character that prevents him from overcoming his guilt? Describe what kind of character could overcome such guilt and move on with their lives? What do you think would of happened to Raskolnikov if he did not confess?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the class distinctions below and describe their living conditions in 19th century Russia.

1) Working class

2) Middle class

3) Upper-class

Do you think Dostoevsky portray a severe inequality in Russian society?

(see the answer keys)

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