Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevski
Summary: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a story of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a sickly former student, and the series of events that follow a horrendous crime he committed. After much contemplation and eves dropping of other’s conversations, Rodion murders Alyona Ivanovna, an old pawnbroker that lives in the same apartment complex as him and Lizaveta, her sister who walks in unexpectedly. Over the next few days Rodion becomes extremely anxious and paranoid, which
eventually leads to much suspicion. His restlessness causes him to become very ill for four days. During this time, Rodion has several visitors, including a doctor, a detective who’s noticed his uneasiness when asked about the murders, and his sister’s government official fiancé, Luzhin. After being confronted by his sister’s fiancé, Rodion nearly confesses his crime to the police detective. Rodion finds his sister, Dunya, and mother waiting in his apartment after returning from helping a friend’s family who had been the victims of an accident. Rodion meets a man who is interested in his sister and offers Rodion and Dunya rubles to break off her engagement with the government official. When Rodion shares the offer with everyone, including Dunya’s fiancé, Luzhin starts
and argument and Dunya calls off the engagement with him. Rodion learns that the daughter of his deceased friends, Sonya was a friend of one of his murder victims. At the end of the novel, Rodian Romanovich Raskolnikov confesses to the murders of Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta due to his love for Sonya. Rodian goes to prison in Sibera, where Sonya visits him often. It is his love for Sonya that causes him to lose his proudness and to begin feeling remorse for his crime.
Analysis of Major Characters:
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov – As the protagonist of the story, Raskolnikov felt that he was separate from the rest of the world. He alienated himself from humanity, which fit perfectly with his name, which was the Russian word for “divided”. It was Raskolnikov’s pride and intellect that caused him to feel superior and separate from all of society. It is this pride that allowed him to feel worthy enough to commit such a crime and not be punished for it. Though Raskolnikov seems to remain delighted in himself for committing the murders, his guilt and illness that follow demonstrate to the readers that he is not as superior as he
declares. Throughout the novel, he searches for some validation for the crime in order to burn off the guilt he is feeling. It isn’t until the end of the novel that Raskolnikov begins to feel actual remorse for his awful crime. Only the love of Sonya shows Raskolnikov that there is no justification for the two murders and he is rightfully punished for his crime.
Sonya – Sonya’s character is opposite of Raskolnikov’s. She is quiet, understanding and selfless. Sonya becomes a prostitute in order to help support the family. To Raskolnikov, this is her own criminal behavior. Though she is imperfect, Sonya’s sins are only committed for the sake of the benefit of others. Her own imperfections are what allow her to see the good in everyone. She is the only character in Crime and Punishment that understands Raskolnikov’s motives for the murder, even if she was a friend of one of the
victims. Sonya did not allow Raskolnikov to believe that his crimes were exceptable, but she was able to see his way of thinking. Despite his seemingly inability to feel guilt, Sonya saw that potential in him. With her love, patience and kindness, Raskolnikov was able to accept the punishment he deserved and feel as if he was no higher than the rest of society.
Dunya – Opposite of her brother, Dunya is mature, compassionate and sympathetic. Dunya’s character is similar to Sonya, but she is stronger willed. Again, she is imperfect, but she is self-sacrificing but Dunya is not timid as is Sonya. She loves and respects her brother, as he does she, but their relationship undergoes several emotional transitions due to the murders her brother committed and his refusal to confess. While Raskolnikov grows angry and bitter towards his sister’s fiancé, she remains calm and confident. Like her brother, she sees herself to be in control, but she reacts out of clarity instead of fury. She is seen as a strong character, possibly the strongest female character in the novel. Though the other characters obviously seem to be, Dunya does not become fazed by poverty or selfishness. Dunya’s character provides a morality amongst the characters. Her approach is more powerful than Sonya’s but not as effective.
Setting: Crime and Punishment took place in St. Petersburg and Siberia, Russia around the mid-1860s. During this time period, St. Petersburg was the “economic center” of Russia, but Fyodor Dostoevski’s Crime and Punishment focused on the less thriving areas of
the city. The protagonist, Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, and several other characters, including the two women who were murdered, lived in poverty. With the description of Raskolnikov’s room, the reader receives a possible reasoning as to why his psychological state is what it is. Also, the reader gets another glimpse at the effects of poverty when Sonya’s prostitution is discussed between Raskolnikov and her father. St. Petersburg during the time that the novel was written, in 1866, was known as the “Window to the West”. This title was significant to the novel because it was Dostoevski’s way of introducing new western ideas into his writing. The ending of Crime and Punishment takes place in a prison in Siberia. Though it is home to a prison containing several
inmates, one being Raskolnikov, Dostoevski does not portray Siberia as dark and deprived as he does St. Petersburg. The setting of St. Petersburg is greatly contrasted by that of Siberia. The loss of griminess and dirtiness from St. Petersburg to Siberia, demonstrates Dostoevski’s perception that a prison, especially to Raskolnikov, is more of a place for healing rather than a place for suffering. Dostoevski does not, however, exclude the idea that Raskolnikov is being punished for his crimes. This is made evident in Raskolnikov’s acceptance of his eight year sentence.
Types of Conflict: The most evident type of conflict in Crime and Punishment is Man vs. Self. Not only does Raskolnikov struggle to feel that any type of wrong-doing was committed, he also struggled with his own guilt. This is the struggle between Raskolnikov and his conscience. There is also a struggle between good and evil and a conflict of Man vs. Man seen in a struggle between law and criminal.
Major Themes:
Alienation – This is the largest theme of Crime and Punishment. The greatest form of alienation seen in the novel is in the main
character, Raskolnikov. He alienates himself from the rest of society because he feels as if he is superior to everyone else. Instead as viewing people as human beings, he uses them for his own benefit. Due to his guilt from the murders, Raskolnikov alienates himself even more so by pushes those who were trying to help him away. He finds himself even more isolated at the end of the novel in a
prison located in Siberia.
The psychology of crime and punishment –Idealistically, with crime, comes punishment. While Raskolnikov is eventually punished for his horrendous crimes, the novel focuses more on the psychology of a criminal and the overlooked punishment. Throughout Crime and Punishment, the reader can see and feel the suffering and guilt of Raskolnikov. This is the true punishment Dostoevsky intended his criminal to receive.
eventually leads to much suspicion. His restlessness causes him to become very ill for four days. During this time, Rodion has several visitors, including a doctor, a detective who’s noticed his uneasiness when asked about the murders, and his sister’s government official fiancé, Luzhin. After being confronted by his sister’s fiancé, Rodion nearly confesses his crime to the police detective. Rodion finds his sister, Dunya, and mother waiting in his apartment after returning from helping a friend’s family who had been the victims of an accident. Rodion meets a man who is interested in his sister and offers Rodion and Dunya rubles to break off her engagement with the government official. When Rodion shares the offer with everyone, including Dunya’s fiancé, Luzhin starts
and argument and Dunya calls off the engagement with him. Rodion learns that the daughter of his deceased friends, Sonya was a friend of one of his murder victims. At the end of the novel, Rodian Romanovich Raskolnikov confesses to the murders of Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta due to his love for Sonya. Rodian goes to prison in Sibera, where Sonya visits him often. It is his love for Sonya that causes him to lose his proudness and to begin feeling remorse for his crime.
Analysis of Major Characters:
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov – As the protagonist of the story, Raskolnikov felt that he was separate from the rest of the world. He alienated himself from humanity, which fit perfectly with his name, which was the Russian word for “divided”. It was Raskolnikov’s pride and intellect that caused him to feel superior and separate from all of society. It is this pride that allowed him to feel worthy enough to commit such a crime and not be punished for it. Though Raskolnikov seems to remain delighted in himself for committing the murders, his guilt and illness that follow demonstrate to the readers that he is not as superior as he
declares. Throughout the novel, he searches for some validation for the crime in order to burn off the guilt he is feeling. It isn’t until the end of the novel that Raskolnikov begins to feel actual remorse for his awful crime. Only the love of Sonya shows Raskolnikov that there is no justification for the two murders and he is rightfully punished for his crime.
Sonya – Sonya’s character is opposite of Raskolnikov’s. She is quiet, understanding and selfless. Sonya becomes a prostitute in order to help support the family. To Raskolnikov, this is her own criminal behavior. Though she is imperfect, Sonya’s sins are only committed for the sake of the benefit of others. Her own imperfections are what allow her to see the good in everyone. She is the only character in Crime and Punishment that understands Raskolnikov’s motives for the murder, even if she was a friend of one of the
victims. Sonya did not allow Raskolnikov to believe that his crimes were exceptable, but she was able to see his way of thinking. Despite his seemingly inability to feel guilt, Sonya saw that potential in him. With her love, patience and kindness, Raskolnikov was able to accept the punishment he deserved and feel as if he was no higher than the rest of society.
Dunya – Opposite of her brother, Dunya is mature, compassionate and sympathetic. Dunya’s character is similar to Sonya, but she is stronger willed. Again, she is imperfect, but she is self-sacrificing but Dunya is not timid as is Sonya. She loves and respects her brother, as he does she, but their relationship undergoes several emotional transitions due to the murders her brother committed and his refusal to confess. While Raskolnikov grows angry and bitter towards his sister’s fiancé, she remains calm and confident. Like her brother, she sees herself to be in control, but she reacts out of clarity instead of fury. She is seen as a strong character, possibly the strongest female character in the novel. Though the other characters obviously seem to be, Dunya does not become fazed by poverty or selfishness. Dunya’s character provides a morality amongst the characters. Her approach is more powerful than Sonya’s but not as effective.
Setting: Crime and Punishment took place in St. Petersburg and Siberia, Russia around the mid-1860s. During this time period, St. Petersburg was the “economic center” of Russia, but Fyodor Dostoevski’s Crime and Punishment focused on the less thriving areas of
the city. The protagonist, Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, and several other characters, including the two women who were murdered, lived in poverty. With the description of Raskolnikov’s room, the reader receives a possible reasoning as to why his psychological state is what it is. Also, the reader gets another glimpse at the effects of poverty when Sonya’s prostitution is discussed between Raskolnikov and her father. St. Petersburg during the time that the novel was written, in 1866, was known as the “Window to the West”. This title was significant to the novel because it was Dostoevski’s way of introducing new western ideas into his writing. The ending of Crime and Punishment takes place in a prison in Siberia. Though it is home to a prison containing several
inmates, one being Raskolnikov, Dostoevski does not portray Siberia as dark and deprived as he does St. Petersburg. The setting of St. Petersburg is greatly contrasted by that of Siberia. The loss of griminess and dirtiness from St. Petersburg to Siberia, demonstrates Dostoevski’s perception that a prison, especially to Raskolnikov, is more of a place for healing rather than a place for suffering. Dostoevski does not, however, exclude the idea that Raskolnikov is being punished for his crimes. This is made evident in Raskolnikov’s acceptance of his eight year sentence.
Types of Conflict: The most evident type of conflict in Crime and Punishment is Man vs. Self. Not only does Raskolnikov struggle to feel that any type of wrong-doing was committed, he also struggled with his own guilt. This is the struggle between Raskolnikov and his conscience. There is also a struggle between good and evil and a conflict of Man vs. Man seen in a struggle between law and criminal.
Major Themes:
Alienation – This is the largest theme of Crime and Punishment. The greatest form of alienation seen in the novel is in the main
character, Raskolnikov. He alienates himself from the rest of society because he feels as if he is superior to everyone else. Instead as viewing people as human beings, he uses them for his own benefit. Due to his guilt from the murders, Raskolnikov alienates himself even more so by pushes those who were trying to help him away. He finds himself even more isolated at the end of the novel in a
prison located in Siberia.
The psychology of crime and punishment –Idealistically, with crime, comes punishment. While Raskolnikov is eventually punished for his horrendous crimes, the novel focuses more on the psychology of a criminal and the overlooked punishment. Throughout Crime and Punishment, the reader can see and feel the suffering and guilt of Raskolnikov. This is the true punishment Dostoevsky intended his criminal to receive.
The idea of Superman – Similar to Raskolnikov’s self-alienation, he believes that he is some type of super being. This idea allows him to believe that he is above the moral standards of those around him. One of these moral laws in which he feels he is superior to is murder. Throughout the novel, his idea of being a super human is what justifies his crime. When Raskolnikov’s first signs of guilt shock him into poor health, he is approached by the idea that he is no greater than any other person. Being stubborn, Raskolnikov refuses to allow guilt to be a symbol of wrongness. He begins justifying his crime with other incidences, such as the conversations he overheard prior to killing the pawnbroker and her sister.
Major Symbols:
The cross – Sonya gives Raskolnikov a cross to wear to the police station when he confesses. The cross symbolizes Raskolnikov’s redemption. In Christianity, the cross symbolized Jesus’ self-sacrifice. Not only does the cross mirror Sonya’s way of self-sacrifice, but it also represents Raskolnikov’s self-sacrifice, trading his confession for the love of Sonya.
The city of St. Petersburg – Dostoevsky portrays the city of St. Petersburg as dark, grimy, poor and crime-ridden. Based on his description, the city is a symbol of Raskolnikov’s mind. Just as he can’t escape the city, he can’t escape from his ways which he validates in his mind. It isn’t until Raskolnikov leaves the city of St. Petersburg that his mind becomes clear and he
begins to feel bad for his crime and mistreatment of others.
The prison and prison hospital – The prison that Raskolnikov attends in Siberia is portrayed oppositely of the city of St. Petersburg. When he becomes ill, Raskolnikov is sent to the prison hospital where he is very well taken care of. The positivity that Dostoevsky uses to describe the prison and the prison hospital symbolized the healing of Raskolnikov. The prison in Crime and Punishment does not serve as a place of punishment, but rather a symbol of healing, self-improvement and recovery.
The cross – Sonya gives Raskolnikov a cross to wear to the police station when he confesses. The cross symbolizes Raskolnikov’s redemption. In Christianity, the cross symbolized Jesus’ self-sacrifice. Not only does the cross mirror Sonya’s way of self-sacrifice, but it also represents Raskolnikov’s self-sacrifice, trading his confession for the love of Sonya.
The city of St. Petersburg – Dostoevsky portrays the city of St. Petersburg as dark, grimy, poor and crime-ridden. Based on his description, the city is a symbol of Raskolnikov’s mind. Just as he can’t escape the city, he can’t escape from his ways which he validates in his mind. It isn’t until Raskolnikov leaves the city of St. Petersburg that his mind becomes clear and he
begins to feel bad for his crime and mistreatment of others.
The prison and prison hospital – The prison that Raskolnikov attends in Siberia is portrayed oppositely of the city of St. Petersburg. When he becomes ill, Raskolnikov is sent to the prison hospital where he is very well taken care of. The positivity that Dostoevsky uses to describe the prison and the prison hospital symbolized the healing of Raskolnikov. The prison in Crime and Punishment does not serve as a place of punishment, but rather a symbol of healing, self-improvement and recovery.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZ4alB-pok
Citations:
"Crime and Punishment." SparkNotes. SparkNotes, n.d. Web. 31
Mar. 2013.
< http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crime/themes.html>.
"Crime and Punishment Setting." Shmoop. Shmoop, n.d. Web. 31
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< http://www.shmoop.com/crime-and-punishment/setting.html>.
"Study Guide-Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky."
CONFLICT/PROTAGONIST/ANTAGONIST/CLIMAX/OUTCOME. Pink Monkey, n.d. Web. 31 Mar.
2013.
< http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynotes/pmCrime06.asp>.
"The Prison Hospital." Shmoop. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.shmoop.com/crime-and-punishment/prison-hospital-symbol.html>.
"Pip Returns to Satis House - Great Expectations - BBC One." YouTube.
YouTube, 21 Dec. 2011. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmZ4alB-pok>.