Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov: comparative characteristics of the heroes

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 12:35

The protagonist of one of the most psychological works of Russian literature, the novel Crime and Punishment, is named after Rodion Raskolnikov. He is not like the others, the troubles of ordinary people are alien to him.

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky on the pages of his work introduces us to a kind of double of Rodion Romanovich - Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov. This hero declares his resemblance to Raskolnikov.

Are Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov really alike? Comparative characteristics will help answer this question.

Appearance of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov

Comparative characteristics of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov are impossible without a description of the appearance of these heroes.

They are completely different from each other. Rodion Raskolnikov is a handsome young man with dark eyes and dark blond hair. Svidrigailov is a man of about fifty, broad-shouldered, blue-eyed, blond with scarlet lips.

Landmarks andhero ideals

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov follow completely different paths in life. A comparative characteristic (the composition of each student necessarily contains this moment) is impossible without an assessment of the way of life the characters lead. Raskolnikov is a very intelligent young man, he once studied. Arkady Svidrigailov leads a wild life, gets drunk.

They are undoubtedly united by the fact that both characters do not accept the surrounding reality, though they show this rejection in different ways. Rodion is immersed in the development of the theory, and Arkady is looking for the truth in wine, debauchery.

The uniqueness of the heroes

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov (comparative characterization of heroes always marks this moment) consider themselves unique, unrepeatable. Raskolnikov tried to confirm the theory that he himself developed, and Svidrigailov was simply convinced of his uniqueness.

However, no matter what terrible act Rodion does, the reader involuntarily feels sympathy for him. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Dostoevsky introduces us very well to the inner world of the protagonist, immersing us in his thoughts and feelings.

Svidrigailov is more materialistic in his actions, he remains repulsive and mysterious for the reader.

Comparative characteristics of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov should contain a moment that indicates the similarity of the characters, namely, their conviction that the actions of extraordinary people can go unpunished.

The theory developed by Raskolnikov cancels the moral principles and justifies not only the crime of Rodion, but also the immorality of Svidrigailov.

Nevertheless, both heroes come to repentance, Rodion admits his crime and is punished, Arkady takes his own life.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov. Comparative characteristics. Similarity of characters

So, let's talk about what unites the characters, except for the belief in their own exclusivity.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov, one way or another, caused the death of people. Raskolnikov took the life of an old pawnbroker, whom, according to his theory, he considered "a trembling creature." Arkady Svidrigailov was also guilty of the deaths of several people, believing that such atrocities would definitely get away with him. He was responsible for the death of a 14-year-old girl, Philip's lackey, his own wife. Svidrigailov did not develop a theory, he simply lived with the conviction of permissiveness.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov (a comparative description cannot but reflect this moment) also do good deeds. Rodion helps Katerina Ivanovna with the children. He is able to feel the human misfortune. Arkady is helping Katerina Ivanovna's daughter, Sonya.

Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov at the end of the work are aware of their own guilt. Arkady Ivanovich commits suicide, and Rodion, having learned about his death, confesses to the crime.

It turns out that these characters really have a lot in common. The differences between the heroes can be presented in the form of a table.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov: comparative characteristics (table)

Rodion Raskolnikov	Arkady Svidrigailov
Appearance
A slender brown-eyed young man with dark blond hair.	A blue-eyed, blond, red-lipped, broad-shouldered man in his mid-50s.
Landmarks and ideals, lifestyle
Living in isolation, developing a theory about a unique personality, prone to philosophizing.	He leads a wild life, he just believes in his uniqueness.
Character traits
Firmness of intention, the desire to impress others with your theory, puts yourself above other people.	Dual personality, desire for pleasure.
Attitude of the reader to the characters
Enjoying sympathy.	Gives a repulsive impression.

So, drawing a conclusion from the above, we can say that Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov have different characters, they differ from each other in temperament, lifestyle. However, the inner beliefs of the characters are very similar. Raskolnikov develops the theory that everything is allowed for a unique personality, and Svidrigailov leads a lifestyle that confirms this theory.