what are two books that crooks owns

Let’s delve into the world of literature and explore the character of Raskolnikov from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, whose obsession with owning books mirrors Crook’s possession of various items in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator, Crook, is known for his meticulous collection of items, which includes a vial of poison, an old Bible, and a few other trinkets. However, when the police arrive to investigate the death of the elderly Mr. Tod, Crook’s collection takes on a sinister turn as he begins to meticulously clean out his possessions, leaving behind only the vial of poison and the Bible. The Bible, specifically, becomes a symbol of Crook’s guilt and the weight of his conscience.

Similarly, in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the protagonist Raskolnikov is driven by an intense desire to own certain books, which he believes will grant him knowledge and power. One such book is the Bible, which Raskolnikov reads extensively and finds particularly meaningful. He is fascinated by its teachings and sees it as a source of wisdom that can help him justify his actions. Another book that holds significant importance to Raskolnikov is a copy of the works of Saint Augustine, which he uses to rationalize his belief in the concept of predestination and his own exceptional nature.

Both characters’ relationships with their possessions reveal deeper psychological states. For Crook, the Bible represents his moral compass and the burden of his guilt. He feels compelled to keep it hidden and eventually destroy it, reflecting his inability to confront his wrongdoing. In contrast, Raskolnikov’s relationship with the Bible is more complex. While he initially uses it to justify his actions, ultimately, it serves as a catalyst for his confession and penitence. The Bible becomes a symbol of his spiritual journey and his transformation from a murderer to a repentant soul.

Moreover, the books owned by these characters also reflect their social status and education. Crook’s collection is limited to a few common items and a Bible, which indicates his lower socioeconomic status and lack of formal education. On the other hand, Raskolnikov’s extensive reading suggests a higher level of education and intellectual curiosity, albeit misguided. His extensive study of philosophy and theology further emphasizes his desire for understanding and control over his life circumstances.

In conclusion, both Crook and Raskolnikov’s relationships with their possessions—specifically the Bible—serve as metaphors for their inner turmoil and external conflicts. Crook’s Bible represents his guilt and the weight of his sin, while Raskolnikov’s Bible symbolizes his search for meaning and redemption. Both characters’ struggles with ownership highlight the complexities of human psychology and the role of external influences in shaping one’s actions and beliefs.

问答部分

Q: Why does Crook have a Bible in “The Tell-Tale Heart”? A: Crook has a Bible because it symbolizes his moral compass and the weight of his guilt after committing murder. He feels the need to hide it and eventually destroys it, indicating his inability to face his wrongdoing.

Q: How does Raskolnikov’s relationship with the Bible differ from Crook’s? A: Raskolnikov uses the Bible to justify his actions at first, but it ultimately becomes a catalyst for his confession and penitence. It represents his spiritual journey and his transformation from a murderer to a repentant soul.

Q: What does the Bible mean to Raskolnikov? A: To Raskolnikov, the Bible is a source of wisdom and a way to understand and justify his exceptional nature and his actions. It plays a crucial role in his mental state and his eventual decision to confess.

Q: Why do Crook and Raskolnikov use different books to justify their actions? A: Crook uses a vial of poison and an old Bible; Raskolnikov uses the Bible and Saint Augustine’s works. Crook’s choices are limited to common items, reflecting his lower socioeconomic status, while Raskolnikov’s extensive reading suggests a higher level of education and intellectual curiosity, albeit misguided.