“Crime and Punishment” is a psychological novel. Discuss.
Crime and Punishment is a notable literary work by Fyodor Dostoevsky. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Crime and Punishment.
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“Crime and Punishment” is a psychological novel. Discuss. [NU: 2018, 20] ★★★
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s (1821-1881) “Crime and Punishment” (1866) is more than a crime story. It is a deep journey into the human mind. That is why critics call it a psychological novel. Every page shows inner conflict, guilt, fear, and hope. The setting of St. Petersburg, the characters like Raskolnikov, Sonia, Porfiry, Razumikhin, and Svidrigailov all reveal psychology. Their thoughts, actions, and emotions show how the human soul struggles between crime and conscience.
Raskolnikov’s Inner Conflict: Raskolnikov is the heart of the novel. 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. He kills Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta Ivanovna with an axe. The narrator says,
“He killed them with an axe he brought with him.”
But after the murder, he does not find peace. Instead, he breaks down. His weakness shows his weak mind. His room in St. Petersburg is small, dark, and suffocating, like his mental state. Dostoevsky uses his fever, dreams, and fainting to show his inner psychology.
Sonia’s Faith and Psychology: Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov (Sonia) is poor but full of faith. Her love is psychological medicine for Raskolnikov. When Raskolnikov confesses to her, Sonia cries but forgives. She stands as light in the darkness. In the last part, Dostoevsky writes,
“He looked at Sonia and felt how great was her love for him.”
This shows rebirth. Sonia carries guilt for her life as a prostitute, but she also carries spiritual hope. Her psychology is sacrifice and love. Raskolnikov slowly changes because Sonia gives him sympathy and faith.
Porfiry Petrovich and Psychological Interrogation: Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, does not rushUnlock this study guide now