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Definition of Motif
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the central themes of a book... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of related symbols, help develop the... read full definition
A motif is an element or idea that recurs throughout a work of literature. Motifs, which are often collections of... read full definition
Part 2, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Wandering :
A notable motif in Crime and Punishment is unplanned, unwilled, and coincidental meetings. At various points in the novel, Raskolnikov finds himself making an almost unconscious detour from his usual walking route when he is in a distracted or dazed state. Often, these detours lead him to individuals who shape his destiny in some way. Shortly after the murder of the pawnbroker, for example, Raskolnikov finds himself walking almost automatically to the apartment of Razumikhin:
When he walked out to the embankment of the Little Neva, on Vasilievsky Island, near the bridge, he suddenly stopped. “Here’s where he lives, in that house,” he thought. “Well, well, I seem to have brought myself to Razumikhin! The same story all over again…It’s very curious, however: did I mean to come, or did I simply walk and end up here? Makes no difference.”
This is not the first time this has happened in the novel, and Raskolnikov reflects upon the strange and coincidental nature of his wandering, asking whether he “[meant] to come” or if he somehow simply “[ended] up there” by chance. Ultimately, Razumikhin will become an important figure in Raskolnikov’s life, marrying his sister, Dunya.
Towards the end of the novel, Raskolnikov again finds himself making an unintended detour through Haymarket and spots Svidrigailov. After first attempting to hide and then joining Svidrigailov at a disreputable bar, Raskolnikov attempts to account for his presence:
“I was on my way to your place, I was looking for you,” Raskolnikov began, “but why did I suddenly turn down ——sky Prospect just now from the Haymarket! I never turn or come this way. I turn right from the Haymarket. And this isn’t the way to your place. I just turned and here you are! It’s strange!” “Why don’t you say straight out: it’s a miracle!”
Again, without being fully conscious of it, Raskolnikov takes a detour from his usual path and finds the person he was looking for. Svidrigailov’s actions will also play a major role in shaping Raskolnikov’s life in complex ways. These chance encounters invoke a sense of destiny, implying that some will other than Raskolnikov’s own influences his fate.
Related Themes:
Part 6, Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Wandering :
A notable motif in Crime and Punishment is unplanned, unwilled, and coincidental meetings. At various points in the novel, Raskolnikov finds himself making an almost unconscious detour from his usual walking route when he is in a distracted or dazed state. Often, these detours lead him to individuals who shape his destiny in some way. Shortly after the murder of the pawnbroker, for example, Raskolnikov finds himself walking almost automatically to the apartment of Razumikhin:
When he walked out to the embankment of the Little Neva, on Vasilievsky Island, near the bridge, he suddenly stopped. “Here’s where he lives, in that house,” he thought. “Well, well, I seem to have brought myself to Razumikhin! The same story all over again…It’s very curious, however: did I mean to come, or did I simply walk and end up here? Makes no difference.”
This is not the first time this has happened in the novel, and Raskolnikov reflects upon the strange and coincidental nature of his wandering, asking whether he “[meant] to come” or if he somehow simply “[ended] up there” by chance. Ultimately, Razumikhin will become an important figure in Raskolnikov’s life, marrying his sister, Dunya.
Towards the end of the novel, Raskolnikov again finds himself making an unintended detour through Haymarket and spots Svidrigailov. After first attempting to hide and then joining Svidrigailov at a disreputable bar, Raskolnikov attempts to account for his presence:
“I was on my way to your place, I was looking for you,” Raskolnikov began, “but why did I suddenly turn down ——sky Prospect just now from the Haymarket! I never turn or come this way. I turn right from the Haymarket. And this isn’t the way to your place. I just turned and here you are! It’s strange!” “Why don’t you say straight out: it’s a miracle!”
Again, without being fully conscious of it, Raskolnikov takes a detour from his usual path and finds the person he was looking for. Svidrigailov’s actions will also play a major role in shaping Raskolnikov’s life in complex ways. These chance encounters invoke a sense of destiny, implying that some will other than Raskolnikov’s own influences his fate.
Related Themes:
