Foils in Crime and Punishment: Razumikhin and Raskolnikov

Introduction

Razumikhin serves as Raskolnikov's foil in Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment; however, there are other foils present in the novel as well. In many ways the characters of Razumikhin and Raskolnikov are similar — for instance, in their social and financial statuses — yet their personalities and ideals are quite different. Razumikhin is not Raskolnikov's only foil. There are several others, including Sonia and Svidrigailov. To push the definition of a literary foil, Raskolnikov's split personality also functions as a foil within itself. This paper examines Raskolnikov's foils with an emphasis on a comparison of Raskolnikov and Razumikhin.

Contrasting Philosophies of Life

One of the central themes of the novel is the conflict between two philosophical approaches — two distinct mindsets about how to see life and how to rationalize situations in order to justify actions. Raskolnikov's approach is to diminish the worth of other people in order to elevate himself to a higher level, at least in his own mind. This is the classic psychological reaction of a person lacking self-confidence or self-esteem. Raskolnikov is an intelligent student who feels compelled to win at everything, no matter the cost, because he is convinced he is superior to everyone around him. Failure produces intense stress, as seen in scenes where he believes his crime has been discovered and he faints or becomes ill. The fear of losing drives him to push himself harder in order to maintain the high standard he has set for himself. This constant state of stress causes him to be careless, to suffer disturbing dreams, and to display what Razumikhin describes as a double personality.

By comparison, Raskolnikov's friend Razumikhin does not live with this stress. In Part I, Chapter 4, and again in Part II, Chapter 3, Raskolnikov describes his friend as good-humored, candid, extremely tall, thin, black-haired, and always badly shaven, with great physical strength. The hint that Dostoevsky provides to signal that Razumikhin is Raskolnikov's foil is that "no failure distressed him" (Dostoevsky 50). He is a man who does not dwell on his poverty and is extremely clever and resourceful, always managing to find money when needed. When he did run short — as one winter when he could not heat his stove — he found a positive aspect to the hardship, noting that sleep came more easily in the cold. Throughout the novel, it is Razumikhin who maintains a clear perspective on life and its complications. He understands the negative effects that can follow from theorizing in ways that run contrary to societal norms and human conscience. Readers witness this in his reaction to Raskolnikov's crime: when Razumikhin grasps what his friend has done, he finds it "awful [and] hideous" (Dostoevsky 292). He then attempts to ease the suffering of Raskolnikov's sister and mother by reassuring them and steps in as the family's caretaker. These traits stand in direct contrast to the nervous, often irrational character of Raskolnikov.

Similarities Between Razumikhin and Raskolnikov

Despite their differences, Raskolnikov and Razumikhin share a great deal in common. Both men are young, intelligent university students living in poverty who have had to sacrifice much because of their financial circumstances. Though there are many instances in which Raskolnikov displays apathy toward his mother and sister, there are moments when he reveals a subtler side — as when he shows genuine compassion after reading his mother's letter in Part I, Chapter 3. His love for his family persists, and his attachment to his sister does not diminish despite the circumstances around him.

In Part IV, Chapter 3, readers see that Raskolnikov trusts Razumikhin and perhaps recognizes something of himself in his friend, deciding that Razumikhin would make a worthy substitute for him. He implores his friend, "leave me, but don't leave them" (Dostoevsky 292). Raskolnikov's judgment proves correct: Razumikhin is a man of character, integrity, and loyalty, and he rises to the occasion. Yet there is an irony here — had the situation been reversed, Raskolnikov's dual personality and inability to make firm decisions or control his own psyche would not have allowed him to respond in the same way. This contrast further underscores Razumikhin's role as Raskolnikov's foil.

Conclusion

Though Razumikhin counterbalances the personality of Raskolnikov, Dostoevsky paints a true picture of the human psyche. In comparing the two characters, readers see that they share more likenesses than differences. Dostoevsky reaches past his characters' exteriors to examine their souls. An anonymous 1917 article printed in the New York Times shares this view, observing that Dostoevsky portrays his characters as possessing an innate sense of Christian equality — treating not only the rich and the poor, the clever and the simple, but also those capable of both good and evil with equal seriousness. He does not portray Razumikhin as entirely good, nor does he portray Raskolnikov as entirely bad. There is good and bad in both men. The difference lies in how the good and bad within each of them is manifested in their daily actions, dreams, and philosophies of life.