Byronic Hero In Dostoevskys Crime And Punishment

Within literature, a Byronic hero is characterized by his/her cunning, arrogant, violent, and often intellectually unstable behavior. First developed in the 19th century by English Romantic poet, Lord Byron, a Byronic hero deviates from the traditional Romantic hero archetype (Byronic). Although both archetypes â€Å"rebel against traditional modes of behavior†, Byronic heroes have greater psychological burdens. This results in morbid sensibilities. Dostoevsky s Crime and Punishment explores a variety of characters’ psyche and creates an anamnesis of their respective traits. Developed by Dostoevsky, Arkady Svidrigailov possesses an imbalance of Freud’s psychoanalytic triad of id, ego and superego, which result in deterioration of his mental†¦show more content†¦Upon discovering the fact that Dounia and Pulcheria would soon move to St. Petersburg, Svidrigailov also sets off for the city, seeing that his wife has just unexpectedly died; this action is seen as a means in which to satisfy instant delight. Despite prior circumstances, Dounia complies to follow Svidrigailov to his room where he proceeds to coerce her. Regardless of Dounia’s adamant refusal â€Å"he had never seen her so handsome. The fire glowing in her eyes at the moment she raised the revolver seemed to kindle him and there was a pang of anguish in his heart. He took a step forward and a shot rang out. The bullet grazed his hair and flew into the wall behind him. He stood still and laughed softly† (491). This scene is the epitome of Svidrigailov’s maniacal obsessions and unveils the nature of his intentions. Megalomania directly correlates with obsession, but the primary target is power and domination over others. Every aspect of Svidrigailov’s life revolves around himself and his altered ego. The assimilatory delusions that exist contribute to an intensification of Svidrigailov s actions and result in neurotic behavior. Multiple occasions within the story showcase Svidrigailov and his acts of kindness to those in need. Following the death of Marmeladov in part 6, chapter 5, he gives money to Sonia so that her siblings can be sent to a suitable