Crime and Punishment Lesson Plan

What is significant about Raskolnikov’s delirium during these chapters? What is the relationship between his sickness and his guilt? Does his suffering affect your opinion of him?

Some might find Raskolnikov more sympathetic because of his sickness, and might even argue that he isn’t responsible for the murders. But others may argue that his sickness is an extension of his internal disease, the evil that makes him do the things that he does. It should be clear to all readers that the illness is related to the murder he committed.

How are the police portrayed in these chapters? Do you believe that they know what Raskolnikov has done? Do they seem to have a moral...