Raskolnikov's twins in the novel Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov's system of "twins" as an artistic expression of criticism of individualistic rebellion (based on the novel by F.M.

Mirror image of a hero

In Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov's doubles are a number of heroes. When reading a work for the first time, we cannot understand all the nuances and subtleties of the content. The detective story completely captures our imagination. A closer look at the writer's intention raises a number of questions. It seems incomprehensible that some personalities appear on the pages of the book, whose history and fate are far from the life of the protagonist. In fact, Dostoevsky does not have a single superfluous character. Each of the characters carries its own semantic load and serves to more fully reveal the personality of the protagonist. The theme of duality in the novel "Crime and Punishment" is very important.

Of course, in the center of the novel is the gloomy figure of Rodion Raskolnikov. It is no coincidence that the author endowed his hero with a speaking surname. The personality of a young man is contradictory and, like a mosaic, consists of disparate, seemingly unrelated parts. Each of them in the novel has its own mirror image in the form of a single hero. Let's get to know them in more detail.

Twins of Rodion Raskolnikov

The only friend

According to the plot of the story, Dmitry Razumikhin appears as the first of the hero's doubles. The young man is the opposite of the main character. He is active, sociable and cheerful. The student steadfastly endures the blows of fate, makes plans and does not fall into despair. His friend, on the contrary, is gloomy and taciturn, unable to cope with life's problems. Against the backdrop of Razumikhin's optimism, Raskolnikov's apathy becomes brighter and more understandable to the reader. "Scoundrel man! And the scoundrel is the one who considers him a scoundrel! the young man is convinced. F. M. Dostoevsky also points to the similarity of the characters. They are young and smart, decent and noble. Both dream of a great future, only they choose different ways to achieve the goal. Razumikhin works tirelessly, trying to cope with poverty, and the impatient Raskolnikov commits a crime for the sake of an idea.

Revered Groom

In the mirror image of the main character, we will notice another double. This is the happy chosen one of Sister Raskolnikov, Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin. A hypocritical person who tries to appear honest and noble actually has a mean and deceitful nature. What character trait of our hero is convexly depicted in this image? Luzhin, going towards his goal, is guided by the principle: "All means are good." He takes advantage of Dunya's plight, slanders Sonya, caring only about his own well-being. Raskolnikov, testing his theory, acts in the same way. The image of Petr Petrovich Luzhin helps to understand the egoistic essence of the main character's idea.

Gloomy Svidrigailov

The enigmatic figure of Svidrigailov causes the reader's hostile attitude. This is a vicious person for whom there are no laws of morality and morality. He is capable of murder, molestation of young children, betrayal of his wife and other vile deeds. But his phrase: “We are one field of berries,” addressed to Raskolnikov, makes us understand that the characters have similar features. Rodion Raskolnikov, like the mysterious Mr. Svidrigailov, commits a crime. Through his fault, people are dying, but he does not feel remorse. Such behavior makes him related to this negative character. The figure of Svidrigailov is full of contradictions just like the image of the main character. He is capable of noble deeds: he helps the orphaned children of Marmeladov, gives money to Sonya Marmeladova. But his disgusting essence does not change from this. Acquaintance with him shows what terrible consequences the denial of the commandments of Christianity and impunity can lead to.

Lebezyatnikov Andrey Semyonovich

This hero, according to the author's intention, in a grotesque form reflects the youth's fascination with new theories. He is a parody of Raskolnikov's obsession with his theory. Lebezyatnikov is stupid, but kind and harmless. Luzhin's meanness is as unpleasant to him as it is to Rodion Raskolnikov.

Wise Investigator

Porfiry Petrovich, to some extent, can also be attributed to the twins of the protagonist. A wise person understands a confused student, sincerely sympathizes with him. He himself managed to stop in time and understand fashionable modern theories and is now trying to save Raskolnikov: “Become the sun, everyone will see you! The sun, first of all, must be the sun!”

Female counterparts of the hero

Separate character traits of a young man are displayed in the heroines of the story. Describing Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikova, the writer points out her outward resemblance to her brother, draws attention to their kindred spirits. The girl is smart, proud and independent just like her brother. But unlike him, these character traits help her choose the right path in life, understand people and not make fatal mistakes.

The most important person in the life of the hero is Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladova. Believing in God, the good Sonya is different from Raskolnikov. But they also have something in common: both committed a crime, broke the law, became outcasts. Only Sonya considers herself a sinner and longs to accept suffering in order to atone for her guilt, and Rodion Raskolnikov is sure that he is right. In the image of Sonya F.M. Dostoevsky tried to convey to the reader the main idea of ​​the work and finally debunk Raskolnikov's inhuman theory.

The role of doubles in the novel

Raskolnikov's doubles in Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" help to understand the complex character of the protagonist, to consider individual character traits, as if through a magnifying glass. Thanks to this technique, we understand the motives of actions and realize the inevitability of punishment for the crime committed.

Artwork test

It is considered quite difficult. In the center of the novel is the image of Rodion Raskolnikov and his theory. Other characters appear as the story progresses. Of particular importance in the work "Crime and Punishment" are Raskolnikov's doubles. Why does Dostoevsky introduce them into the plot? How are Raskolnikov and his counterparts similar? What is the difference? What are their ideas? What are the twins of Raskolnikov - Luzhin and Svidrigailov? More on this later in the article.

Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin - Raskolnikov's double

The author characterizes it rather negatively. Luzhin is rich and a brilliant businessman. He came to St. Petersburg to arrange his career. "Having made it into the people," Peter highly valued his own mind, his abilities, he was used to admiring himself and enjoying it. His main dream was to get married. Peter sought to do good to some girl, elevating her to himself. She certainly had to be educated and beautiful. He knew that in Petersburg one could "win a lot with women." His painful narcissism, all his dreams speak of a certain imbalance in character, of the presence of cynicism in him. With the help of money, "breaking out of nothingness", he remained low inside. Next, we find out what indicates that Luzhin and Raskolnikov are twins.

Theory of Petr Petrovich

Luzhin is presented as a businesslike person, who values ​​money more than anything else, which is obtained by "all sorts of means and labor." He considers himself smart, working for the benefit of people, progressive and respects himself very much. Pyotr Petrovich has his own theory, which he develops with great pleasure in front of Rodion Raskolnikov. His idea of ​​"reasonable selfishness" presupposes love, first of all, for oneself, since everything that happens in the world is based, in his opinion, on one's own interest. If all people act according to his theory, there will be many more successful citizens in society. Thus, a person, acquiring everything exclusively for himself, works for the benefit of the whole society and in the name of economic progress. In life, Luzhin is guided by this theory. The dream of marrying Avdotya amuses his vanity. In addition, this marriage can contribute to his future career. Raskolnikov, meanwhile, is against this marriage. But Petr Petrovich quickly finds a way to rectify the situation. In order to denigrate Rodion in front of his relatives and return the favor of Dunya, he puts a banknote on Sonya and accuses her of theft.

Why is Luzhin a double of Raskolnikov?

Analyzing the theory of Pyotr Petrovich, one can find many analogies with the idea of ​​​​Rodion. Both in the first and in the second, the priority remains one's own, personal interest. Raskolnikov claims that "everything is allowed to the Napoleons." According to Petr Petrovich, Rodion's idea is also designed to save humanity from evil and is aimed at achieving progress in development. Only people who are capable of destroying the present for the good of the future can move the world and lead it to its goal.

Similarity of opinion is the cause of hatred

It should, meanwhile, be said that Raskolnikov did not like Luzhin's idea very much. Probably, on an intuitive level, Rodion felt similarities with his ideas and thoughts. He points out to Pyotr Petrovich that, according to his "Luzhin's" theory, it is allowed to "cut people." Apparently, the similarity in thoughts and vision of the situation in the world determines Rodion's unaccountable hatred for Pyotr Petrovich. As a result, a certain "vulgarity" of Raskolnikov's theory appears. Petr Petrovich offers its "economic" version, one that, in his opinion, is applicable in life and is aimed at achieving goals by material means, mainly. Thus, we can conclude that Luzhin is Raskolnikov's double in everyday life.

Another character with a similar theory

In the course of the story, another hero appears - Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov. This rather complex character expresses a certain "non-uniformity" with his whole being. He is "not one-line anywhere", but in his image one can trace the philosophical context of the expression of Rodion's idea. Thanks to the actions of Svidrigailov (it was he who revealed the true state of affairs to Marfa Petrovna), the good name of Raskolnikov's sister is restored. Arkady Ivanovich also provides assistance to the Marmeladov family, organizing the funeral of the deceased Katerina Ivanovna and placing orphaned young children in an orphanage. He also helps Sonya, supplying her with funds for a trip to Siberia.

Brief description of Arkady Ivanovich

This person is smart, insightful, he has his own special "subtlety". He has the ability to understand people very well. Thanks to this skill of his, he was immediately able to determine what Luzhin was. Arkady Ivanovich decides to prevent Pyotr Petrovich from marrying Avdotya. According to some authors, Svidrigailov potentially appears as a man of great strength and conscience. However, all these inclinations of his are ruined by Russian social foundations, a way of life. The hero does not have any ideals, there is no clear moral guideline. Among other things, Arkady Ivanovich naturally has a vice, which he not only cannot, but does not want to fight. In this case, we are talking about his propensity for debauchery. The life of the hero proceeds in submission to his own passions.

What is the similarity between Rodion and Arkady Ivanovich?

Svidrigailov, when meeting with Raskolnikov, notes a certain "common point" between them, saying that they are "berries of the same field." Dostoevsky himself, to a certain extent, brings these characters closer, portraying them, developing one motive - childish innocence, purity. In the image of Raskolnikov there are features of a child - he has a "childish smile", and in his first dream he appears before himself as a seven-year-old boy. In Sonya, with whom Rodion is getting closer, traits of innocence and purity are also traced. She reminds Raskolnikov of a child. There was also a childish expression on Lizaveta's face at the moment when Rodion attacked her. For Arkady Ivanovich, meanwhile, children are a reminder of the atrocities committed by him, coming to him in nightmares. It is this common motive, the very fact of his presence that allows us to say that Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov are twins.

Differences in the images of Arkady Ivanovich and Rodion

As the story progresses, the differences between the characters become more and more obvious. The crime that Raskolnikov committed was a kind of symbol of protest against the cruelty and injustice of the world around him, the unbearable living conditions. The plight of the family and himself acts as a secondary motive. In addition, he sought to test his theory. However, after the crime, Rodion is no longer able to live differently, as if he "cut himself off from everyone with scissors." Now he has nothing to talk about with those around him, and he is seized by a feeling of painful alienation from all people. Despite this, before and after the crime, ideals are preserved in the image of Raskolnikov - the concepts of evil and good are very significant for him. So, after the atrocity, he helps the Marmeladovs, gives the last 20 rubles to organize the funeral of Semyon Zakharovich. Nothing of the kind appears in the image of Svidrigailov. Arkady Ivanovich appears as a completely devastated and spiritually dead person. In it, unbelief and cynicism coexist with a subtle mind, self-sufficiency, and life experience. He is so "dead" that even feelings for Dunya are not able to revive him.

Love for her awakened noble impulses and a manifestation of true humanity in Arkady Ivanovich only for a short moment. Svidrigailov is bored with life, he does not believe in anything, nothing occupies his heart and mind. Along with this, he indulges his desires: both bad and good. Arkady Ivanovich does not feel remorse for killing a very young girl. And only once her image appears to him in a nightmare - on the dying night. At the same time, the impression is created that this is his crime - not the only crime of the hero: there are many rumors and gossip about him. However, the character himself is very indifferent to them and, in fact, does not consider his actions to be something out of the ordinary.

The embodiment of Rodion's theory in the image of Arkady Ivanovich

Speaking about the fact that Svidrigailov is Raskolnikov's double, one should pay attention to their personal relationship. At first, it seems to Rodion that Arkady Ivanovich has some kind of power over him. Raskolnikov is drawn to Svidrigailov. But subsequently Rodion feels some kind of "heaviness", he becomes "stuffy" from this proximity. Gradually, Raskolnikov begins to believe that Svidrigailov is the most insignificant and empty villain on earth. Arkady Ivanovich, meanwhile, goes much further than Rodion along the path of evil. In this regard, even some symbolism of the name Arkady can be traced. It is of Greek origin and literally translates as "shepherd". In Orthodox culture, this word was used in the meaning of "pastor" - a leader, mentor, teacher in spiritual life. In some way, Svidrigailov for Raskolnikov is such: in his unbelief and cynicism, he surpasses Rodion in many ways. Arkady Ivanovich constantly demonstrates his "masterful", to a certain extent "higher" mastery of Rodion's theory, practically embodying it.

The meaning of the characters in the work

Raskolnikov's twins are close to him in spirit, but have different purposes. Each of them embodies the theory of Rodion in its own way. With their own internal appearance, Raskolnikov's doubles in the novel discredit his ideas. The image of Pyotr Petrovich seems to be a primitive embodiment of the theory at the everyday level. Arkady Ivanovich is a deeper character. Svidrigailov's application of the "Raskolnikov" theory is distinguished by greater depth. He embodies it on a philosophical level. When you analyze the image and actions of Arkady Ivanovich, in some way the bottom of the abyss is exposed, where the "individualistic" idea of ​​the protagonist leads.

Sonya Marmeladova

If the characters described above are Raskolnikov's spiritual twins, then this heroine is similar to Rodion solely in her "life situation". In any case, the protagonist of the work thought so. She, like the rest of the characters, was able to cross the line beyond which morality ends. Being an active and active person, Sofya Semyonovna tries to save her family from death. In her actions, she is primarily guided by faith, kindness, meekness. Sonya attracts Rodion, he begins to identify her with himself. However, like other doubles of Raskolnikov, Marmeladova soon becomes completely different from him. Rodion notices that he ceases to understand her, she even seems to him "holy fool" and strange. Subsequently, the differences between them become more pronounced.

"Atrocity" by Sonya Marmeladova

It should be said that her "crime" is different from the actions of Raskolnikov. Turning into a prostitute, saving children from starvation, she harms herself. While the rest of the heroes inflict it on others, ruining other people's lives. Rodion can freely choose between evil and good. Sonya is initially deprived of this choice. Her act is immoral, but justified in some way by a motive. Unlike other characters, Sonya's soul is filled with love, faith, mercy, she is "alive" and feels her unity with others.

Conclusion

On the pages of the work, a lot of personalities appear before the reader. All of them are more or less similar to the main character - Raskolnikov. Of course, this similarity is not accidental. Rodion's theory is so nightmarish that a simple description of his life was not enough. Otherwise, the depiction of his fate and the collapse of his ideas would have been reduced to a simple description of a crime story about a half-mad student. In his work, Dostoevsky tried to show that this theory is not so new and is quite feasible. Its development and refraction penetrates human destinies, people's lives. As a result, an understanding is born that it is necessary to fight against this evil. To counter immorality, everyone has their own means. At the same time, one should not forget that the fight against the enemy with the help of his own weapons becomes meaningless, since he returns again to the same path of immorality.

The system of twins in F. Dostoevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment"

The novel by F. M. Dostoevsky "Crime and Punishment" can be classified as one of the greatest works of world literature. Although it is based on a crime, it does not belong to ordinary detective stories, being the most complex philosophical and psychological novel, in which the author focuses on revealing the inner world of the protagonist - Rodion Raskolnikov.

Initially, Dostoevsky wanted to write a novel in the form of a confession of the protagonist, since the first-person story gave the author more opportunities to focus on the inner world of Raskolnikov, but Dostoevsky realized that in this case he would not be able to describe the character of the protagonist as correlated with the characters and fates of other characters . It was important for the author to show Raskolnikov in society, in relationships with other people.

Tormented by doubts, experiencing fear after the crime committed, Rodion Raskolnikov carefully looks at people, comparing them with himself. Thus, each character appears on the pages of the novel as if under a double sign: he is not only an independent hero, but also helps the author to reveal the image of Raskolnikov deeper, shading and deepening it.

The most interesting in the system of twins is Luzhin. At first glance, it seems that Dunya's fiancé is the exact opposite of Raskolnikov. He is a prudent businessman, a cold egoist, a miserly and immoral person. Rodion, even before meeting him, is clear why he wants to marry his sister. Dunya is a modest dowry. And this is what Luzhiu needs, because she will meekly obey him and depend on him in everything.

Raskolnikov hates callous and prudent people like Luzhin. But later, the main geoy is disgustedly convinced that there is something in common between him and his sister's fiancé. Luzhin, like Raskolnikov, has his own theory. Luzhin calls it "economic science" and claims that this very theory freed him from false love for other people. According to Luzhin, the merit of his economic theory is that it proclaimed that the main duty of a person is to take care only of oneself. “Love yourself first of all,” says Luzhin. This is a man who loved money more than anything in the world. Luzhin is an egoist. His selfishness gives rise to indifference, divides people, justifies meanness and cruelty. Luzhin is a man of the lowest and meanest qualities. When his plans in relation to Duna failed, he goes to another meanness. Luzhin wants to denigrate Sonya in the eyes of people, convicting her of theft. To do this, he imperceptibly puts a hundred-ruble banknote into her pocket.

People like Luzhin bring evil and misfortune to people. Rodion Raskolnikov understands that the life position of his antipode is a more base and more selfish version of his own views, because both according to Luzhin’s theory and according to Raskolniov’s “idea”, crimes against people can be justified.

The loss of the distinction between good and evil, the moral disease from which the intelligent but cynical Svidrigailov, another double of Raskolnikov, suffers, can lead to the same conclusion. He is complex and contradictory. “I am a depraved and idle person,” this hero says about himself. In the past, he was a cheat, he was in a debtor's prison. In the story with Dunya, Svidrigailov looks like a villain, a lecher, a scoundrel. Rumors spread about his crimes that he had poisoned his wife and caused the death of a courtyard man. Svidrigailov does not accidentally say to Raskolnikov: “Is there some kind of common point between us? .. Are we the same field of berries?”

But, in addition to evil deeds, moral crimes, Svidrigailov also commits good deeds. He delivered Dunya from shame and restored her good name. Svidrigailov comes to St. Petersburg mainly to help Duna get rid of Luzhin. But when she does not accept his money, Svidrigailov uses it for another good deed and arranges the children of Katerina Ivanovna in a boarding school. He also offers Raskolnikov to organize an escape to America, and gives Sonya three thousand rubles, knowing that this money will come in handy when she goes after Raskolnikov to hard labor. Svidrigailov dreams of the North Pole and travel in a hot air balloon.

This person is empty inside. He has no purpose in life. He does both good and evil out of boredom, which is why this hero comes to suicide in order to put an end to a meaningless existence. He feels disgusted with himself, his conscience torments him. Tired of such a state, he parted with his life. However, Svidrigailov does not understand the true causes of Raskolnikov's crime. He thought that Raskolnikov killed the old pawnbroker because of poverty.

Not alien to the thoughts of Raskolnikov and the investigator Porfiry himself - a man who has survived his time of dreams. Like Svidrigailov, Porfiry recognizes his youth in Raskolnikov. Hence his secret sympathy for the hero, which conflicts with his role as the guardian of order. Condemning the murder of the old woman, the investigator cannot but admire the courage of Raskolnikov, a rebel against the injustice of society.

The system of doubles of the novel is rather complicated. Twins are not only the main character. There are a clear number of similarities between Dunya and Sonya. These two images complement and deepen each other. Dunya is ready to marry Luzhin not for love in order to enable her brother to study. And, therefore, she, like Sonya, seeks to do good to others, bringing great evil to herself.

And Raskolnikov finds in Sonya Marmeladova the features of Lizaveta, who was innocently killed by him. This is meekness, defenselessness and irresponsibility.

Thus, thanks to the introduction of doubles into the novel, the author can reveal the images of the characters, especially Raskolnikov, in order to make him admit the fallacy of his theory. Looking at other people, even sometimes unpleasant for him, the protagonist of the novel realizes the true essence of his “idea”: he understands that such a challenge to an unjust society, like killing even an evil and worthless old woman, leads to even greater evil and violence.

The narrative structure of Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment is quite complex. In the center of the work is the image of the protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, with his idea of ​​"allowing blood according to conscience." All other characters are somehow connected with Raskolnikov. The protagonist is surrounded in the novel by "twins", in whose minds his idea is refracted in different ways.

One of Raskolnikov's doubles in the novel is Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin. Dostoevsky characterizes this hero sharply negatively. This is a rich man, a brilliant businessman who came to St. Petersburg in the hope of arranging his career. “Having made his way out of insignificance”, he was used to “painfully admiring himself”, highly appreciating his mind and abilities. Luzhin's main dream was to get married. Most of all, he wanted to “elevate to himself”, to do good to some poor girl, certainly beautiful and educated, for he knew that women can “win very, very much in St. Petersburg.”

These dreams, painful narcissism - all this testifies to the spiritual imbalance of the hero, to his cynicism. “Having made his way out of insignificance” with the help of money, in his soul and character he remained a nonentity.

Luzhin is a business man who, more than anything in the world, values ​​money earned by "labor and all sorts of means." He respects himself, considers himself an intelligent, progressive person, working for the benefit of the whole society. Luzhin even has his own theory, which he gladly develops in front of Raskolnikov. This "theory of rational egoism" says: "Love, first of all, only yourself, for everything in the world is based on personal interest." Luzhin believes that if everyone acts guided only by their own interests, then there will be more successful citizens in society, "arranged private affairs." Consequently, "acquiring solely and exclusively for himself," a person works for the benefit of "general prosperity", for the benefit of economic progress.

In life, Petr Petrovich is consistently guided by his theory. Marriage to Avdotya Romanovna amuses his morbid pride, besides, she can contribute to his career. Raskolnikov opposes this marriage, and Luzhin quickly finds a way to remedy the situation. In order to denigrate Rodion in the eyes of his relatives and return Dunya's disposition, he accuses Sonya of stealing by planting a banknote on her.

Analyzing the theory of Luzhin, we notice its striking similarity with the theory of Raskolnikov, in which the personal interest of a person also dominates. “Everything is permitted to the Napoleons,” Raskolnikov categorically asserts. In the murder of the old money-lender, of course, there is also the personal interest of the hero. One of the motives for this murder is Raskolnikov’s desire to test his theory, to find out what type of people he himself belongs to: “... am I a trembling creature or do I have a right?”

Raskolnikov's theory, in his opinion, is also designed to save humanity from world evil, aimed at developing progress. Mohammedans, Napoleons, Lycurgus are people of the future who "move the world and lead it to the goal." They "destroy the present in the name of the future."

Characteristically, Luzhin's theory was extremely disliked by Raskolnikov. Perhaps intuitively he sensed in it a resemblance to his own ideas. It is not for nothing that he remarks to Pyotr Petrovich that according to his, Luzhin's, theory, it turns out that "people can be cut." As Y. Karyakin notes, this similarity probably explains Raskolnikov's unconscious hatred of Luzhin.

Thus, Luzhin trivializes the theory of the protagonist, offering an "economic" version of this theory. Luzhin is Raskolnikov's "double" in terms of life and everyday life.

The extreme expression of Raskolnikov's idea, its philosophical context, we find in the image of Svidrigailov. This image in the novel is very complex. Svidrigailov "is nowhere single-lined, not so uniformly black." It is Svidrigailov who restores the good name of Dunya Raskolnikova, revealing to Marfa Petrovna the true state of affairs. He helps the orphaned Marmeladov family by organizing the funeral of Katerina Ivanovna and placing young children in "orphanages". Arkady Ivanovich also helps Sonya, providing her with funds for a trip to Siberia.

This is, of course, an intelligent person, insightful, subtle in his own way. He's great with people. So, he immediately realized what kind of person Luzhin was, and decided to prevent Avdotya Romanovna from marrying him. As V. Ya. Kirpotin notes, “potentially Svidrigailov is a man of great conscience and great strength,” but all his inclinations have been ruined by his way of life, Russian social conditions, and the lack of any ideals, clear moral guidelines for this hero. In addition, by nature, Svidrigailov is endowed with a vice, which he cannot fight, and does not want to. It is about the propensity of the hero to debauchery. He lives, obeying only the call of his own passions.

When meeting with Raskolnikov, Svidrigailov notices that there is “some kind of common point” between them, that they are “of the same field”. In addition, the writer himself, to a certain extent, brings the characters closer, developing the same motif in their depiction. This is the motive of the child, the motive of innocence and purity. It is said about Raskolnikov that he has a "childish smile", in his first dream he sees himself as a seven-year-old boy. Sonya, with whom he is becoming closer, reminds him of a child. A childish expression was also on Lizaveta's face at the time of Raskolnikov's attack on her. Svidrigailov, on the other hand, children appear in nightmares, reminding him of the atrocities committed by him.

And already in the development of this motive, the difference between the heroes is revealed: if Raskolnikov carries this childishness and purity in himself (this is the best in the hero), then for Svidrigailov it is desecrated purity and innocence. No wonder Raskolnikov feels disgust when talking with Arkady Ivanovich: after all, Svidrigailov encroaches on what is present in the depths of Rodion's soul.

In the future, the difference between them becomes more and more palpable. Raskolnikov's crime symbolized a protest against the injustice and cruelty of the surrounding world, unbearable living conditions. Of course, his secondary motives were the plight of the hero and his family, and the desire to test his theory. But, having committed the murder, Raskolnikov can no longer live as before: he “as if cut himself off from everyone with scissors”, he has nothing to talk about with others. A feeling of painful alienation from people suddenly seizes him.

However, as V. Ya. Kirpotin notes, both before and after the crime, the concepts of good and evil are significant for Raskolnikov, ideals have been preserved in his soul. So, after committing a murder, the hero helps the Marmeladovs. Raskolnikov gives the last twenty rubles for the funeral of Semyon Zakharovich.

We do not find anything like this in the nature of Svidrigailov, who is completely devastated, spiritually dead. Great life experience, self-sufficiency, a subtle mind coexist in his soul with cynicism and unbelief. Even love for Duna cannot “revive” him, only for a moment awakening in his soul impulses of nobility and truly human feelings. Svidrigailov is bored in life, nothing occupies his mind and heart, he does not believe in anything. For all that, Arkady Ivanovich indulges all his desires, both good and bad. Having killed a very young girl, he does not feel any remorse. Only once, on his dying night, he is visited by a nightmarish vision in the form of a ruined girl. Moreover, this vile story, apparently, is not the only atrocity of Svidrigailov. There is a lot of gossip and rumors about him, to which, however, he is indifferent. And Arkady Ivanovich himself hardly considers all these stories to be something out of the ordinary. For this man, it seems that there are no moral boundaries.

It is characteristic that at first it seems to Raskolnikov that Svidrigailov “lurks some kind of power over him”, he attracts Rodion. But soon Rodion becomes "hard" and "stuffy" with this man, Raskolnikov begins to consider him "the most empty and insignificant villain in the world."

Thus, along the path of evil, Svidrigailov goes much further than Raskolnikov. And in this respect, even the name of this character is symbolic. The name "Arkady" comes from the Greek word "arkados", which means "inhabitant of Arcadia", literally - "shepherd". It is characteristic that in Orthodox culture this word was often used in the sense of "pastor" - that is, a leader in spiritual life, a teacher, a mentor. And in a sense, Svidrigailov is really Raskolnikov's teacher on the path of evil, since in his cynicism and unbelief he is in many ways "superior" to Rodion. Svidrigailov constantly demonstrates the "highest", "masterful" possession of Raskolnikov's theory in the form of its practical embodiments.

The third "double" of Raskolnikov in the novel is Sonya Marmeladova. Its “duality” is only external. Turning into a prostitute, she was also able to "cross the line", a certain moral boundary. However, the motive for Sonya's actions was not selfishness, not an individualistic theory, not a protest against world evil. She sacrifices herself to save Katerina Ivanovna's young children from starvation.

If the theory of Raskolnikov initially laid harm to society, then Sonya harms only herself. If Rodion is free in his choice between good and evil, then Sonya is deprived of this freedom. Pisarev noted that “Sofya Semyonovna would also have managed to throw herself into the Neva, but, throwing herself into the Neva, she could not put thirty rubles on the table in front of Katerina Ivanovna, which contains the whole meaning and justification of her immoral act.”

Sonya is an active, active nature, she is trying to save her family from inevitable death. On the path of life, she is supported by meekness, kindness, faith in God. Raskolnikov is attracted to Sonya, because he begins to identify her with himself, considering their life situations to be similar. However, he soon notices that he does not understand her, she seems strange to him, "holy fool". And this misunderstanding reveals the differences between them. Sonya's "crime" is different from Raskolnikov's crime, therefore her soul is alive, filled with faith, love, mercy, Sonya feels her unity with people.

Thus, Raskolnikov has spiritual twins in the novel. Their purpose is different. Luzhin and Svidrigailov discredit Raskolnikov's theory with their internal appearance. For all that, Luzhin is a primitive embodiment of the hero's theory, its embodiment at the level of life and everyday life. Svidrigailov, on the other hand, embodies Raskolnikov's idea at a deep, philosophical level. The image of Svidrigailov, as it were, reveals the bottom of the abyss, to which the individualistic theory of the hero leads. Sonya is only an external "double" of the hero, her "double" is superficial.