THE PARADOXICAL NATURE OF MARMELADOV’S CHARACTER

Abstract

The subject of the study is a paradoxical character of Marmeladov in the novel “Crime and Punishment.” The object of this study is the novel “Crime and Punishment,” particularly episodes about Marmeladov and Raskolnikov. Based on the analysis, an attempt is made to summarize the main paradoxes of Marmeladov’s character. To reveal the paradox of his thinking: he endlessly repents, but still confident that he will be forgiven by Christ. At the same time the work reveals not only a deep religious intent in the image of Marmeladov, but also his role as a conductor of Raskolnikov’s entry to the instruction from above, his humility and tragic end were the reason that Raskolnikov’s free will grew so much. The main conclusions of the study are that humility and losing oneself in guilt are the paradoxes of Marmeladov’s character. In addition, Dostoevsky’s special understanding about repentance and redemption, expressed by the paradoxes of Marmeladov’s character, in a way plays the role of Raskolnikov’s guide to his crime. In addition, the unique religious views embedded in the characters of the novel provide new directions for further research.