Lesson Plan

Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Pain and suffering do not have to be inevitable in a study of Crime and Punishment. A carefully scaffolded lesson introduces readers to the divided natures of the characters in Fyodor Dostoevsky's complex novel. Groups use the provided worksheets to record evidence of the duality of Raskolnikov and other characters. To conclude the lesson, pupils craft an essay in which they analyze Dostoevsky's view of human nature.

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Russian names can be confusing; assign groups different characters in the novel, have them create a poster for their character, include an image, the various forms of the character's name, and words that describe the dual nature of the character
Classroom Considerations
  • First in a three-lesson unit study of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment
  • Presumes readers have completed Parts 1, 2, and Chapter 1 of Part 3 of the novel
  • Pupils need access to dictionaries, either online or print form
Pros
  • Follow-up discussion questions ask readers to think critically about the themes Dostoevsky develops
  • Includes a teacher version of the worksheets
Cons
  • None
Common Core