Analysis of The Novel `crime and Punishment’ Written by Fyodor Dostoevskys

Introduction

The novel Crime and Punishment, written in the mid-1860s by the renowned author Fyodor Dostoevsky, is a literary masterpiece crafted in Siberia. This novel consists of six parts with an epilogue and is characterized by a serious, dramatic tone. Dostoevsky masterfully employs a dual character-personality to explore the complexities of human nature. The book centers around a student with shallow philosophical beliefs who convinces himself of the prowess of a super-being; the main character, Rodion Romanovitch Raskolnikov. He believes that his actions, even if criminal, are justified as a means to aid humanity. Raskolnikov perceives himself as someone on a mission with extraordinary powers, meticulously planning a crime he categorizes as a blameless act. The narrative engages the reader's inquisitiveness and delves into the workings of the human mind. The themes in this novel—suffering, morality, reparation, confession, and forgiveness—underscore its central subject: the journey towards becoming a renewed being.

Sufferings

Dostoevsky writes, "If he has a conscience, he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment—as well as the prison…" (Dostoevsky, 1993, p. 474). This statement underscores the internal suffering Raskolnikov experiences as a result of his guilty conscience. The dialogue suggests that as long as he possesses a sense of right and wrong, he will endure suffering for his crime, with prison serving as a secondary layer of inflicted suffering. For instance, Raskolnikov undergoes psychological and physical torment, where fear overwhelms his reasoning, leading to a loss of sanity. This psychological torment culminates in his inevitable illness (Dostoevsky, 1993, p. 305).

Morality - Reparation

"In the prison, the second-class convict Rodion Raskolnikov has been confined for nine months. Almost a year and a half has passed since his crime. There had been little difficulty about his trial. The criminal adhered exactly, firmly, and clearly to his statement. He did not confuse nor misrepresent the facts, nor soften them in his own interest, nor omit the smallest detail" (Dostoevsky, 1993, p. 939). This passage reveals that despite his confinement and pending trial, Raskolnikov had the opportunity to revise his original statement to mitigate his punishment. However, he remained steadfast, indicating that he is not inherently evil but misguided in his approach. The novel demonstrates his innate goodness, yet his mistake was associating crime with achieving good. Ultimately, his honesty leads to mercy, suggesting that the judiciary could perceive his repentant spirit, possibly due to his refusal to employ any form of defense.

Confession

Raskolnikov's psychological torment stems from his guilty conscience, prompting a desperate need for liberation from his mental and physical suffering. Consequently, he opts to confess to those concerned, including Sonia, at the public square, and to law enforcers. Despite realizing that the mind is a world greater than the physical environment, he makes a sincere confession, understanding that it will not grant him immediate freedom from prison but will lead to greater psychological freedom.

Forgiveness - A Renewed Being

"But all at once something seemed to seize him and fling him at her feet. He wept and threw his arms round her knees... They were both pale and thin; but those sick pale faces were bright with the dawn of a new future, of a full resurrection into a new life" (Dostoevsky, 1993, p. 964). Initially, fear gripped Sonia due to his confession, but Raskolnikov's redemption transformed the atmosphere. Despite Raskolnikov's actions towards Sonia, she displayed unconditional love and willingly forgave him. One might argue that, based on human capacity, forgiving Raskolnikov's criminal act is unlikely, but a greater force intervened—love from God. Raskolnikov embarked on an admirable path, relinquishing shame and ego, and embracing humility at Sonia's feet. This depicts that beyond the determination to seek forgiveness, one must take genuine steps to achieve it, marking the transformation into a renewed being. This was the catalyst for his rebirth.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of this narrative, Raskolnikov possesses the New Testament, which he requested from Sonia, who never pressured him about faith or religion. Her attitude towards his forgiveness inspired him and sparked his curiosity about the force driving Sonia's actions. "The book belonged to Sonia; it was the one from which she had read the raising of Lazarus to him" (Dostoevsky, 1993, p. 966). Raskolnikov draws a connection between this story and his own, believing that if a man declared dead and buried could be resurrected by God, then he, still alive, has greater hope in God. This conviction ushers him towards redemption and a fresh start, symbolizing the entrance to a new life.

References

Dostoevsky, F. (1993). Crime and Punishment. New York, NY: Penguin Classics.