Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

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.