Crime and Punishment

# Essay Prompt: *Crime and Punishment* by Fyodor Dostoevsky **Prompt:** In *Crime and Punishment*, Raskolnikov's act of murder stems not from desperation or greed but from his own philosophical theory that categorizes people as "ordinary" and "extraordinary." Write a well-developed argumentative essay in which you **examine how Raskolnikov's psychological turmoil following the murder serves as Dostoevsky's critique of utilitarian and Napoleonic "superman" ideology**. In your essay, be sure to: - Clearly explain Raskolnikov's theory and its moral consequences - Analyze key moments (such as the murder, his interactions with Sonia, and his dialogues with Porfiry) as evidence for or against your argument - Explore how guilt, isolation, and eventual confession serve as critiques of ideology - Consider how Dostoevsky employs characterization, narrative structure, and symbolism to strengthen his argument **Your essay should present a clear, defensible thesis and back it up with specific textual evidence.**

ap_lit · ib_lang_lit · aqa · common_core_ela

# Essay Prompt: *Crime and Punishment* by Fyodor Dostoevsky **Prompt:** In *Crime and Punishment*, Raskolnikov rationalizes the murder of Alyona Ivanovna by adhering to a theory that classifies people as "ordinary" or "extraordinary." He believes that extraordinary individuals possess the moral right to break societal laws for the sake of a greater good. Write a well-developed argumentative essay in which you **argue how the novel ultimately supports, complicates, or challenges Raskolnikov's theory** through its narrative structure, characterization, and thematic resolution. --- **Your essay should:** - Present a clear, defensible thesis that articulates how Dostoevsky uses the novel's events to respond to Raskolnikov's ideology. - Include **at least three pieces of textual evidence** (e.g., Raskolnikov's internal thoughts, his interactions with Sonia, Porfiry's questioning, the epilogue). - Analyze how literary elements — such as **psychological realism, foil characters** (e.g., Svidrigailov compared to Raskolnikov), **symbolism** (e.g., the cross, the resurrection of Lazarus), and **narrative point of view** — enhance Dostoevsky's thematic argument. - Engage with the **moral and philosophical dimensions** of the text, examining how guilt, suffering, and redemption serve as counterarguments to Raskolnikov's rationalism. - Conclude by reflecting on the **broader implications** of Dostoevsky's critique regarding questions of individual conscience, moral relativism, and societal law. --- **Suggested Length:** 4–6 paragraphs (approximately 800–1,200 words) **Tip:** Focus on analysis rather than summarizing the plot. Your essay should show close reading and a continuous analytical argument.

ap_lit · ib_lang_lit · aqa · common_core_ela

# Essay Prompt: *Crime and Punishment* by Fyodor Dostoevsky **Prompt:** In *Crime and Punishment*, Raskolnikov formulates and acts on his "extraordinary man" theory — the idea that some individuals have the moral right to break conventional laws for the sake of a greater good. Discuss whether Dostoevsky ultimately supports, opposes, or complicates this theory through the novel’s plot, characters, and ending. Your essay should: - **Present a clear, defensible thesis** regarding Dostoevsky's philosophical view on Raskolnikov's theory. - **Incorporate at least three pieces of textual evidence** from different sections of the novel. - **Examine** how literary elements (like psychological realism, symbolism, and foil characters such as Sonia or Svidrigailov) bolster your argument. - **Consider a counterargument**: acknowledge and counter an interpretation that disputes your thesis. - **Wrap up** by linking Dostoevsky's critique to a wider theme — such as guilt, redemption, free will, or the limitations of rationalism. **Suggested length:** 4–6 paragraphs (AP-level) or 800–1,200 words

ap_lit · ib_lang_lit · aqa · common_core_ela