NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
In the novel Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, appearance versus reality is a dominant theme. The theme of appearance versus reality is displayed through the irony of character s situations. This major theme is also enhanced by the author s tone in certain situations. The characters Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Svidrigailov, are each involved in an ironic situation that characterizes them, and adds to the theme. Raskolnikov s situation is very ironic. Raskolnikov is a poor, dirty, ex-student who commits a very immoral crime.
Even though Raskolnikov commits the act of murder, he is a character of high morals. This is the irony is his situation. His high moral standards are shown through many aspects in the novel. One specific event that shows Rodya s values is when he leaves his last bit of money for the Ivanovna family. This event shows that Raskolnikov cares, and does what he can to help others. Another example of the generosity Rodya has is when he gives money to the police officer to help the drunk and beat up young girl.
Raskolnikov has no money for even himself, but still gives all he can to help others. This seems very ironic since he kills two human beings. The author s tone also contributes to Rodya s situation. Through the author s tone, sympathy is always attributed with Raskolnikov.
The irony of Raskolnikov s situation, which is enhanced by the author s tone, adds to the theme of appearance versus reality. Another character s situation that seems very ironic is Sonia s. Sonia is a prostitute in St. Petersburg. The people of the city look upon her as a disgrace and she must suffer because of this. Though Sonia has an occupation considered to be very immoral, her own individual situation may justify her immoral act.
Sonia is a very poor, young girl. Her entire family looks to her for support. So she decides to suffer for the sake of her loved ones, and become a prostitute to provide for her family. Sonia is considered corrupt by society, but she is actually the person with the highest morals. This is a very ironic situation. The author s tone shows Sonia is very religious and strives not to have a sinful nature.
The author s tone and the irony of Sonia s situation add to the theme of appearance versus reality. Svidrigailov s situation also adds to the theme of appearance versus reality. Svidrigailov is a very immoral character in the novel, though he is a respected man in society. He commits many crimes. Svidrigailov is responsible for the death of his butler, a 15 -year-old girl, and his wife Marfa.
Like Raskolnikov, Svidrigailov has murdered, except he does not ever feel any remorse. Svidrigailov actually tries to blame Dunya for the murders he commits. Svidrigailov says that he only did it to be with her. Svidrigailov actually wants to find redemption through Dunya, as Rodya did with Sonia. Svidrigailov is rejected by Dunya, and as a result, perishes. Svidrigailov's moral standards and his position in society are very ironic.
The tone of the author, Dostoyevsky, alters from a very cruel man, at the beginning of the novel, to a man who is pitied. This enhances the irony in his situation because sorrow is felt for a man who murders without remorse. The irony of Svidrigailov's situation, enhanced by the authors tone, continues the theme of appearance versus reality. In the novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment, a dominant theme is appearance versus reality. This theme is expressed in the irony of the characters situations. These ironic situations are enhanced by the authors tone.
The appearance is that each character s actions are immoral. The reality is that the character s immoral action may be justified by their situation. This displays a major problem in our society. Society does not judge by looking into the specifics of a situation. Dostoyevsky offers a different perspective at judging others.
He does this through the common theme of appearance versus reality. The characters Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Svidrigailov, are each involved in an ironic situation that contributes to this theme.
Free research essays on topics related to: fyodor dostoyevsky, theme of appearance versus, appearance versus reality, crime and punishment, moral standards
Research essay sample on Appearance Versus Reality Theme Of Appearance Versus
