Consider “Crime and Punishment” as a story of sin, suffering, and redemption.

Answer

Consider “Crime and Punishment” as a story of sin, suffering, and redemption. [NU: 2017, 20, 22] ★★★

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s (1821-1881) “Crime and Punishment” (1866) is more than a crime story. It is a deep study of the human soul. The novel shows how sin destroys peace, how suffering breaks pride, and how redemption brings hope. Through Raskolnikov, Sonia, Dounia, Porfiry, Razumihin, and others, the novel connects crime, pain, and spiritual rebirth. The story begins in Petersburg’s dark streets and ends in Siberia with new light.

Sin: Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the center of sin. He believes some men are “extraordinary” and can break rules. In his small dark room in Petersburg, he dreams like Napoleon. He tells himself that killing one “useless” pawnbroker will help many poor people. His mind burns with pride and hunger. He says,

“I shall strike her on the head, split her skull open.” 

He goes to Alyona Ivanovna’s flat. The old pawnbroker gives loans at cruel interest. Raskolnikov takes an axe and kills her. But Lizaveta Ivanovna suddenly enters. She sees the blood. Out of fear, he kills her, too. The narrator says,

“He killed them with an axe he brought with him.” 

This is his sin. The murder is not only a physical crime. It is also a moral sin. His idea of “extraordinary man” collapses. He thought he would feel strong. But after sin, he feels weak. His room becomes like a prison. His face looks pale. His family, Pulcheria and Dounia, feel he is hiding something. Thus, sin begins his fall.

Suffering: After the crime, suffering grows inside him. His body burns with fever. He hears voices. He sees dreams of blood. In the streets of Petersburg, he walks without direction. He feels hunted. Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, uses psychology. He tells Raskolnikov quietly, 

“No, it was you, you Rodion Romanovitch, and no one else.”

These words make him restless. He feels his soul exposed. Sonia, poor daughter