Comparative characteristics of Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov: differences and similarities

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov - heroespsychological novel by FM Dostoevsky. They are called spiritual twins. There really is a similarity between these characters. Comparative characteristics of Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov are the subject of many critical articles. What did the author of the famous novel see as a similarity between these seemingly completely different personalities?

Eyes - a mirror of the soul

The main principle that guidedDostoevsky in his work, was authentic. Raskolnikov is a collective image of students of raznochintsy 60's. The protagonist of the novel is extremely poor, lives in a small little room, poorly dressed and even starving. The image of Svidrigailov, on the contrary, indicates that this person is not accustomed to deny himself anything.

It should be said that the great Russian writerpaid great attention to the description of the hero's eyes. In Raskolnikov they are "beautiful and dark." Svidrigailov's eyes look coldly and steadily. But, in order not to run ahead, it is worth saying a few words about these characters. The comparative characteristic of Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov presupposes a preliminary analysis of each of these heroes.

Raskolnikov

This person is unselfish.He has insight, allowing people to guess, to see how sincere they are. But the main thing is that he is a generous dreamer and an idealist. Rodion Romanovich longs to make the whole of mankind happy. To the best of its ability, it helps the poor and disadvantaged, but its capabilities, as you know, are too insignificant. In the name of a high goal, he goes on a crime.

Svidrigailov

At first glance, this hero isthe opposite of the main thing. He lives for his own pleasure. On his conscience, the lives of two people, and perhaps this person has to do with the death of his wife. To Raskolnikov, strangely enough, he is experiencing something that looks like sympathy. "Maybe we'll get closer," he says to him in one of his first meetings. The comparative characteristic of Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov makes it possible to determine the similarities between them, and what are the differences.

Similarities

They are both criminals.Comparative characteristics Svidrigailova and Raskolnikov indicates, first of all, the involvement in the murder. The raznochinets kill the interest-holder and her younger sister. On the conscience of a nobleman is a suicidal servant, the death of a fourteen-year-old girl, the murder of his wife. His fault in all these crimes is not proved, he walks loose, and at the beginning of the work an impression is created that this will always be so. Nevertheless, he is a murderer, as well as an idealist Raskolnikov.

Raskolnikov refers to "the right to have" andSvidrigailov. Comparative characteristics reveal their common positions regarding their role in society. According to the theory of Raskolnikov, there are people from whom in the world depends if not all, then much. Their units. The rest are a gray, faceless mass. And the student does not want to relate to the second category. His worldview is formed, above all, under the influence of the cult of Napoleon. And referring himself to the category of strong personalities, he gives himself the right to decide the destinies of other people.

Svidrigailov's actions are not based on the philosophy of"Superman", an example of which can serve as a great commander. His world view is quite primitive. The authorities are intoxicating him, and committed crimes give strength to a certain moment.

To the definition of one more similar line in destiniesthese characters bring their comparison. Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov commit crimes, but none of them remains unpunished. The student is unbearably suffering after the murder. Svidrigailov commits suicide.

Differences

Motives for crimes committed by these heroes,absolutely different. The main difference is clearly described by the description of the images. Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov are criminals. But if the first commits a murder for the sake of a high goal (which, of course, does not justify it), the second does not even think about the consequences. Svidrigailov is only interested in the satisfaction of the momentary desire.

Mental state of Raskolnikov aftera perfect crime is close to insanity. Svidrigailov, on the other hand, is a sensible person, and he loses judgment only when he strives for his goal. Hence the main difference between criminals - a fine line between good and evil, Raskolnikov did not manage to cross, while his antipode-double has long been beyond the moral and ethical standards.

Having created such a vivid opposition in the novel, F. Dostoevsky seems to point to two ways that a person who takes life from another can have. The offender, committing a murder, thereby experiencing spiritual death. Only the repentance and confession of guilt can revive him.