Curated set · answers marked
Who is the examining magistrate that applies psychological pressure on Raskolnikov and suspects him of the murders throughout the novel?
APorfiry Petrovich✓
BDmitri Razumikhin
CArkady Svidrigailov
DAlexander Marmeladov
Rationale
Porfiry Petrovich is the clever investigating magistrate who engages Raskolnikov in a series of intense, philosophical discussions. Instead of focusing on physical evidence, he employs psychological tactics to disturb Raskolnikov and skillfully guide him toward a confession.
What is the name of the pawnbroker that Raskolnikov kills at the start of the novel?
ASonya Marmeladov
BAlyona Ivanovna✓
CDunya Raskolnikova
DLizaveta Ivanovna
Rationale
Raskolnikov kills Alyona Ivanovna, an elderly pawnbroker, as part of his theory about "extraordinary men," believing he can rationalize the murder for a greater purpose. He also accidentally takes the life of her half-sister, Lizaveta, who shows up unexpectedly during the incident.