Comment on Dostoevsky’s use of irony in “Crime and Punishment.”

Answer

Comment on Dostoevsky’s use of irony in “Crime and Punishment.” [NU: 2019, 22]

Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) in “Crime and Punishment” (1866) builds his story not only with crime and confession but also with deep irony. Irony means the opposite of what one expects. In St. Petersburg, Raskolnikov kills to prove a theory, but the result is only guilt and despair. Sonia (Sofia) suffers as a prostitute but shines with faith and love. Porfiry plays with logic, but his strength is patience. Every character, from Luzhin to Svidrigailov, shows irony in their lives. In this way, Dostoevsky shows that human plans often end in opposite results.

Raskolnikov’s Theory and Irony: Raskolnikov believes in his “extraordinary man” theory. He says such a man can step over the law if his purpose is higher. He kills Alyona Ivanovna to test this idea. He expects strength. He expects to be like Napoleon. But after the murder, he feels only weakness. He fears telling Sonia about the murder. Dostoevsky shows his inner collapse. Dostoevsky says about him,

“He felt a sudden impotence and fear.”

This is deep irony. The man who wanted freedom becomes a prisoner of his own mind.

Sonia’s Suffering and Irony: Sonia, or Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov, lives in shame. She works as a prostitute. She carries a yellow ticket. Society looks down on her. Yet irony makes her the symbol of light. Marmeladov says, 

“My daughter Sofya Semyonovna has been forced to take a yellow ticket.”

She seems fallen, but she is the only true guide. Raskolnikov, the educated student, is lost. Sonia, the humble girl, shows him the path to confession. This reversal is the beauty of irony.

Porfiry’s Interrogation and Irony: Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, uses no direct proof. He does not arrest Raskolnikov based on the evidence. Instead, he uses questions about his theory. He asks if extraordinary men may kill. Raskolnikov becomes restless. He wanted logic to defend his crime. But the same logic turns against him. He