It’s an interesting idea you’ve raised, that Raskolnikov’s “good deeds” are a way for him to redeem himself and sort of fulfill his philosophical campaign. I always found his desire to help others a curious feature of his character; time and time again he would give people money or take action to defend them, usually in situations when no one even asks him to intervene. Of course, the fact that he did so even before the murders could be a hint that this attitude is genuine. But then again, he was mentally preparing himself to commit a crime from the very beginning. Definitely something to think about.
Raskolnikov is deeply divided, conflicted and tormented...the remarkable achievement of Dostoyevsky is to make him appealing, even a sympathetic victim as much the women he brutally murdered , as we have his mind revealed to us as the novel progresses...a mind sensitive, generous and even noble...yet he is a cold blooded murderer...
Your friend Ben has a Dostoievski beard! I was reading about a case that happened a few years ago where two girls kill their friend. After a few months one of the killers loses her mind and starts having panic attacks and going delirious, screaming while running in the streets. She said that she NEEDED to confess and so she did. Reminded me of Raskolnikov a bit. I don't know if Dostoievski witnessed a crime, the description of Alyona and Lizavetas assassination is so chilling and it feels so real. Plus the detailed way Dostoievski describes the mind of the killer in the following days, weeks and months is so incredibly spot-on! The way Raskolnikov hides the money and never touches it even though it was the thing he wanted. Also reminds me of a little crime I commited when I was younger and stole a toy from my cousin. I felt so guilty I hid the toy and never EVER touched it again. Even the fact Rodia goes back to the crime scene like some criminals do. It's crazy how Dostoievski knew these things so well.
Benjamin was the son of Israel ( formerly Jacob prior to wrestling with the angel) the last born of 13 children and the first to have that name...he was the chief of one of the 12 tribes of Israel..the Bible gives no explanation of his name...Benjamin's original name was Benoni which means " son of my pain" because his mother died in his childbirth.. Jacob later changed it to Benjamin...you look kind of biblical Ben...like a wild eyed prophet from the depths of the howling desert...very cool ... Blessings on your newborn o my brother...
