Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov: a comparative characterization of the characters

The main character of one of the most psychological works of Russian literature, the novel "Crime and Punishment", is named Rodion Raskolnikov. He is not like other people, the efforts of ordinary people are alien to him.

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky in his pagesworks introduces us to a kind of twin of Rodion Romanovich - Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov. This hero declares his resemblance to Raskolnikov.

And are Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov really similar? Comparative characteristics will help to answer this question.

Appearance of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov

Comparative characteristics of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov impossible without describing the appearance of these characters.

They are completely different from each other. Rodion Raskolnikov is a handsome young man with dark eyes and dark-brown hair. Svidrigailov is a man of about fifty, a broad-shouldered, blue-eyed blonde with scarlet lips.

Landmarks and ideals of heroes

Absolutely different ways in life goRaskolnikov and Svidrigailov. Comparative characteristics (the composition of each student necessarily contains this moment) is impossible without an assessment of the way in which the heroes lead. Raskolnikov is a very clever young man, he once studied. Arkady Svidrigailov leads a rackety life, drunk.

They, undoubtedly, are united by the fact that both charactersDo not accept the surrounding reality, though they show this rejection in different ways. Rodion plunges into the development of the theory, and Arkady seeks the truth in the wine, rapes.

Uniqueness of heroes

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov (comparativecharacterization of heroes always notes this point) consider themselves unique, unique. Raskolnikov tried to confirm the theory that he had developed, and Svidrigailov simply was convinced of his uniqueness.

However, no matter how terrible the action may beRodion, the reader involuntarily pervades sympathy for him. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Dostoevsky very well acquaints us with the inner world of the protagonist, immerses in his thoughts, feelings.

Svidrigailov in his actions more mercantile, it remains for the reader repulsive and mysterious.

Comparative characteristics of Raskolnikov andSvidrigailova should contain a moment that points to the similarity of the characters, namely, to their conviction that the actions of extraordinary people can go unpunished.

The theory developed by Raskolnikov, abolishes moral principles and justifies not only the crime of Rodion, but also the immorality of Svidrigailov.

Nevertheless, both heroes come to repentance, Rodion recognizes his crime and bears punishment, Arkady deprives himself of life.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov. Comparative characteristics. The similarity of heroes

So, let's talk about what unites the heroes, except faith in their own exclusivity.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov, one way or another,caused the death of people. Raskolnikov stripped the life of an old woman who was, according to her theory, a "shivering creature". Arkady Svidrigailov, too, was guilty of the death of several people, believing that such atrocities necessarily get off his hands. He was guilty of the death of a 14-year-old girl, a lackey of Philip, his own wife. Svidrigailov did not develop a theory, he simply lived with the conviction about permissiveness.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov (comparativecharacterization can not fail to reflect this moment) and do good deeds. Rodion helps Katerina Ivanovna with her children. He is able to imbue with human misfortune. Arkady is helping the daughter of Katerina Ivanovna, Sonya.

Svidrigailov and Raskolnikov at the end of the work realize their own guilt. Arkady Ivanovich ends his life by suicide, and Rodion, upon learning of his death, confesses to the crime.

It turns out that these heroes really have a lot in common. Differences of heroes can be represented in the form of a table.

Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov: comparative characteristics (table)

Rodion Raskolnikov	Arkady Svidrigailov
Appearance
Slender brown-eyed young man with dark blond hair.	A blue-eyed blonde with scarlet lips, a broad-shouldered man about 50 years old.
Landmarks and ideals, lifestyle
Lives closed, develops a theory about a unique personality, inclined to philosophizing.	He leads a wild life, just believes in his own uniqueness.
Characteristics of character
The firmness of intentions, the desire to impress others with his theory, puts oneself above other people.	A dual character, a craving for pleasure.
Reader's Attitude to Heroes
Causes sympathy.	Produces a repulsive impression.

So, drawing a conclusion from all the above, you cansay that Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov have different characters, they differ from each other in temperament, way of life. However, the inner beliefs of the characters are very similar. Raskolnikov develops the theory that everything is allowed for a unique person, while Svidrigailov leads a way of life that confirms this theory.