What is the Significance of Raskolnikov’s Dream?
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.
Answer
What is the significance of Raskolnikov’s dream? [NU: 2021]
In “Crime and Punishment” (1866), dreams open a window into Raskolnikov’s soul. Dostoevsky (1821-1881) uses these dreams to reveal his hidden emotions. Through the horse dream, the laughing old woman dream, and the Siberian dream, we see sin, guilt, and hope for redemption.
The Horse Dream- Sin and Pity: When Raskolnikov was a child, he dreamt of a drunken peasant beating a weak horse to death. He saw the horse fall, and the old man began hitting the old mare with all his force. This dream is very symbolic. It shows his natural pity and also the cruelty of violence. It foreshadows his crime against Alyona Ivanovna. It tells us that deep inside, he hates violence, yet later he commits the same kind of brutality.
The Laughing Old Woman Dream- Guilt and Fear: After the murder, Raskolnikov dreams that Alyona Ivanovna is alive. In his dream, he sees,
“The old woman was sitting and laughing.”
The laughter grows louder, and people watch him silently. This dream shows his guilt and fear. His subconscious tells him that he cannot escape. Even after he kills her, her memory haunts him. This dream is the voice of his conscience.
The Siberian Dream- Redemption and New Life: In Siberia, Raskolnikov dreams of a plague spreading across the world. He dreams,
“Men killed each other in a sort of senseless spite.”
This dream shows his understanding of moral chaos without faith and truth. After this dream, Sonia stays near him. She gives him the New Testament. Raskolnikov begins to realize that true peace comes from confession, love, and faith. The dream is the turning point in his spiritual rebirth.
The dreams in “Crime and Punishment” are not simple. They show Raskolnikov’s sin, his suffering, and his way to redemption. Through these dreams, Dostoevsky makes the novel deeply psychological and spiritual.