Why Does Raskolnikov Decide to Confess His Crime?
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
Why does Raskolnikov decide to confess to his crime? [NU: 2017]
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) in “Crime and Punishment” (1866) is the story of crime, conscience, and confession. Raskolnikov murders Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta Ivanovna in St. Petersburg. But he cannot escape his own mind. At last, guilt, Sonia’s love, and Porfiry’s pressure lead him to confession.
The weight of guilt: From the moment of the murder, Raskolnikov feels restless. He walks the streets of St. Petersburg in fear. He cannot find peace even in his room. His own mind becomes his enemy. He thinks everyone looks at him with suspicion. This unbearable guilt slowly pushes him to admit the truth.
Sonia’s faith and love: Sofya (Sonia) Semyonovna Marmeladov plays a big role in his decision. She listens to his dark story with tears. She cries,
“There is no one—no one in the whole world now so unhappy as you.”
Sonia tells him to confess because only the truth can bring peace. She promises to follow him to Siberia. This promise gives him courage. Her faith makes him feel that confession will not destroy him completely.
Porfiry’s wise pressure: Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, also guides Raskolnikov to confession. He suspects him but does not arrest him directly. Instead, he says that confession will bring relief. Porfiry’s clever words strike his heart. In the end, Raskolnikov surrenders before the police and admits,
“Well, of course in killing the old woman I did wrong.”
The confession frees him from the endless struggle inside his mind.
Thus, Raskolnikov confesses because of guilt, Sonia’s love, and Porfiry’s pressure. In St. Petersburg, he commits sin, but in Siberia, he begins his new life. His confession is the first step toward redemption and inner peace.