Critical Comparison of Sonia from from Crime and...

Dostoevsky Sonia in Crime and Punishment and Gretchen in Faust Critical Comparison Sonia from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment (C amp; P) and Margaret (Gretchen) from Goethe’s Faust are the leading female characters in the works they are portrayed in. Aside from this obvious connection, Sonia and Gretchen have a variety of characteristics in common. Both girls are portrayed in ways that serve as representations of innocence, purity, and faithfulness. Parallels can also be seen in Sonia and Gretchen’s love for Raskolnikov and Faust, respectively, and the way their relationships develop. Similarities between the two characters can be found in their socio-economic statuses, their personalities, certain physical characteristics, their†¦show more content†¦Sonia and Gretchen are extremely anti-murder; they believe there is no excuse for taking another’s life under any circumstances, and that only God has that right. Why do you ask about what could not happen,† asks Sonia in response to Raskolnikov’s roundabout questioni ng; she can’t even comprehend the possibility of justifying murder, â€Å"who has made me a judge to decide who is to live and who is not to live? (D 351). Sonia recognizes that only God has the right to judge and decide the fate of mortals. Both girls care very much for their lovers, and as a result, are very fearful of the consequences Raskolnikov and Faust will face if they continue going on about their sinful existences without repenting. Despite the severe nature of their lovers’ crimes, Sonia and Gretchen are not frightened of Raskolnikov or Faust; instead, the girls are concerned for state of the men’s souls. Upon hearing Raskolnikov’s confession, Sonia is worry-stricken, â€Å"what have you done to yourself†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"it was a good thing you came, (D354). Sonia is relieved that Raskolnikov confessed to her, because she believes that if he had not come to her, she might not have been able to help him save himself. However, she can’t help but become frustrated about Raskolnikov’s nonchalant attitude about his soul, â€Å"you dont understand, you dont understand! Oh God! He wont understand!†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"You turned