Crime and Punishment : Literary devices

Literary devices

Figures of Speech 

• Irony: A major example of irony is Raskolnikov’s theory. He believes that extraordinary people can break the law. So, he kills Alyona Ivanovna. His expectation was peace and self-confidence. But in reality, he collapses under guilt. Even before the court’s punishment, he suffers mental torment. Effect: This irony shows that no matter how intelligent a person is, crime never brings freedom. True punishment comes through remorse.
• Metaphor: The entire novel uses murder as a metaphor. The killing of Alyona and Lizaveta is not just the death of two women. It is a metaphor for the destructive power of human pride, poverty, and false philosophy. Raskolnikov’s mental agony is a metaphor for the guilt of the human soul. Effect: This metaphor teaches the reader that crime ultimately means the downfall of the soul.
• Symbolism:

• The city of St. Petersburg: The city is not just a background. It symbolizes poverty, crime, crowds, and despair. Its dark alleys and grim streets reflect Raskolnikov’s inner turmoil.
• The attic room: Raskolnikov’s small, suffocating room symbolizes his loneliness and confinement. Its darkness mirrors his mental darkness.
• Sonia (Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov): Sonia symbolizes humanity, faith, and redemption. Her prostitution represents suffering, but her love and devotion to God symbolize Raskolnikov’s spiritual salvation.
• The Siberian prison: The prison is not only a place of punishment. It symbolizes rebirth. There, Raskolnikov learns true repentance.
• Razumikhin: He symbolizes human friendship and hope. His presence shows that even in hardship, people can find light.
• Svidrigailov: He represents hedonism, darkness, and moral corruption. His suicide is the ultimate consequence of this downfall.
• Luzhin: Luzhin symbolizes hypocrisy and selfishness. His character reflects that part of society where relationships are used only for self-interest.