Question

from crime and punishment by fyodor dostoevsky
background: romanovich raskolnikov, crime and punishment follows raskolnikov experiences, a former law student living in st. petersburg. in this excerpt, raskolnikov is awakened in his small rented room length. it had a poverty-stricken appearance with peeling off the walls, and it was so low-pitched that a man of more than average height was ill at ease in it and felt every moment that he would knock his head against the ceiling. the furniture was in keeping with the corner on which lay a few manuscripts and books; the occupied almost the whole of one wall and half the floor space of the room;
raskolnikov as a bed. often he went to sleep on it, as he was, without undressing, without sheets, wrapped in his old students overcoat, with his head on one little pillow, under which he heaped up all the linen he had, clean and dirty, by way of a bolster. a little table stood in front of the sofa.
how does the author use indirect characterization in the description of raskolnikov’s sleeping habits in paragraph 1?
a. it suggests that raskolnikov is paranoid in the description of petersburg himself.
b. it implies that raskolnikov is proud of his ability to live simply.
c. it shows that raskolnikov values comfort more than anything else.
d. it reveals that raskolnikov resents his landlady for neglecting him.

Explanation:

To determine the answer, we analyze the description of Raskolnikov’s living space (tiny, poverty - stricken, dusty, with old furniture, etc.). Option C states that it shows Raskolnikov values comfort more than anything else. But his living conditions are far from comfortable, so this is incorrect. Option B says it implies he is proud of his shabby living simply. The text doesn't give any indication of pride in his living situation. Option D claims it reveals he resents his landlady for neglecting him. There is no mention of the landlady neglecting him or his resentment towards her. Option A says it suggests that Raskolnikov is impoverished (in the description of Petersburg). The detailed description of his shabby, small, and poverty - stricken room supports the idea that the author uses indirect characterization to show his poverty in Petersburg.

Answer:

A. It suggests that Raskolnikov is impoverished in the description of Petersburg.