Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Grade Level: 11-12 (This lesson plan deals with mature themes and complex ideas)
Subject: English Language Arts, Philosophy
Time Allotment: Three class periods (can be adjusted based on class discussion and activities)
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to analyze the psychological state of protagonist Raskolnikov and the motivations behind his crime.
- Students will be able to identify and interpret key themes such as morality, guilt, and redemption.
- Students will be able to discuss the philosophical underpinnings of Raskolnikov's crime and their relevance to contemporary society.
Materials:
- Copies of excerpts from Crime and Punishment (focusing on Part 1, particularly Raskolnikov's internal monologues and the murder scene)
- Whiteboard or projector
- Markers or pens
- Chart paper or handout for brainstorming
- (Optional) Background information on philosophical theories like utilitarianism and nihilism
Lesson Procedure:
Day 1:
Introduction (10 minutes):
- Briefly introduce Fyodor Dostoevsky and his literary style, highlighting his exploration of psychological realism and moral dilemmas.
- Present a short historical context of 19th-century Russia, mentioning the social and political unrest that might have influenced the novel.
Into the Mind of Raskolnikov (20 minutes):
- Distribute excerpts from Part 1 of Crime and Punishment, focusing on Raskolnikov's internal monologues leading up to the murder and the murder scene itself.
- Have students read the excerpts silently.
Understanding the Crime (20 minutes):
- Facilitate a group discussion about the excerpts. Ask questions to guide students' analysis, such as:
✵ What is Raskolnikov's emotional state in these passages?
✵ How does Dostoevsky portray Raskolnikov's justifications for the murder?
✵ What are some of the arguments Raskolnikov presents for himself being "above the ordinary"?
✵ What is the significance of specific details in the murder scene (e.g., the axe, the pawnbroker's appearance)?
Day 2:
The Morality of Murder (20 minutes):
- Introduce the theme of morality.
- Does Raskolnikov's theory about extraordinary individuals justify his actions?
- How does the murder challenge traditional notions of right and wrong?
- Encourage students to consider different moral perspectives on Raskolnikov's crime.
Philosophical Underpinnings (20 minutes):
- (Optional) Briefly introduce philosophical concepts like utilitarianism (focusing on the "greater good") and nihilism (belief in meaninglessness).
- How do these concepts connect to Raskolnikov's justifications for the murder?
- Are there any philosophical arguments that challenge Raskolnikov's logic?
Day 3:
Guilt and Redemption (20 minutes):
- Shift the focus towards the themes of guilt and redemption.
- How does guilt manifest in Raskolnikov's behavior and thoughts after the murder?
- How do his interactions with characters like Svidrigailov and Sonya Marmeladova challenge his initial justifications?
- Consider the possibility of redemption for Raskolnikov.
The Enduring Questions (20 minutes):
- Lead a final discussion about the broader themes of the novel.
- How does Crime and Punishment explore the complexities of human psychology and morality?
- Are there any aspects of Raskolnikov's motivations or societal context that resonate with contemporary issues?
Creative Project (20 minutes):
- Have students write a diary entry from the perspective of Raskolnikov, reflecting on his crime, his internal struggles, and his hopes for the future (considering the ending of the novel is left open-ended).
Differentiation:
- Provide scaffolding for struggling readers by offering summaries of key passages or character profiles.
- Challenge advanced readers to research and present on the life and works of Dostoevsky, exploring the historical and philosophical influences on his writing.
Extension Activities:
- Students can create a timeline that traces Raskolnikov's psychological journey throughout the novel, highlighting key events that contribute to his mental state and eventual breakdown.
- Have students compare and contrast Raskolnikov with another literary character who commits a crime for ideological reasons.