Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

 

 

    Crime and Punishment takes place in 1860's St. Petersburg, Russia. The book follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a young man in poverty who recently dropped out of university. The glaring wealth gap in society, along with his personal financial situation leads him to formulate an idea about society that he then tests the validity of. Through Raskolnikov's personal life experience, he came to the conclusion that people of higher status in society, or who have relations with people of higher status are exempt from the laws. 

    Raskolnikov's plan was to murder Alyona Ivanova, a middle aged pawn broker who he interacted with numerous times. He also planned to murder Lizaveta, Alyona's sister. He recalled Lizaveta had an abundance of money stashed away in her apartment. Part of his plan was to free himself from poverty and give to others in need with this newfound wealth. He thought his actions were justified as he was ridding society of exploitative people. But, his plan does not go exactly as he expected. 

    He spiraled down into an even darker place as his mental state deteriorated more. As his feelings of guilt, paranoia of being caught, and shame continuously pick at him, he decides to turn himself in. As a result, he receives a prison sentence of eight years, including hard labor in a Siberian prison for the murders. Only after his confession does Raskolnikov grapple the consequences of his actions and find inner remorse alongside responsibility and inner peace. 

    Through frequent flashbacks and rampant thoughts, Dostoyevsky articulates the meaning behind this novel through text. It's a tale between good an evil, a choice between darkness and redemption. Throughout the novel, Dostoyevsky causes the reader to ponder questions regarding the morality and consequences of our actions. The thought processes of Raskolnikov throughout was interesting to me. With each read, I pick up more details and new interpretations.

-Asmara