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Since antiquity, we have challenged ourselves to the best of our limits, from what we can understand about the world, to the human condition. But as we gain more understanding of ourselves and the universe at large, the bolder we became and have left our traditional values. Will there be a point of understanding where we can free ourselves of our moral obligations? Is salvation possible for these people? The novel Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a dark yet masterful psychological case study of how our minds can go to the limits of morality, where we find Rodion Raskolnikov, a young student in St. Petersburg who murdered an old pawnbroker, and the story of the journey and his fight for salvation.
Dostoevsky’s use of imagery is grounded in reality, as most of the setting and the reference he made to give life to the novel are to be found in real places and real events. As a psychological drama, Crime, and Punishment uses this realistic aspect to portray a world as if it is an extension of our reality, which makes reading it easier to visualize and understand his intended undertones. This could be seen in how he described St. Petersburg, the main setting of the majority of the novel, allowing us to immerse ourselves into its dark and skimpy roads, which truly enhances the story as we readers experience it. Dostoevsky described St. Petersburg from the point of view of Raskolnikov:
The heat in the street was terrible: and the airlessness, the bustle and the plaster, scaffolding, bricks, and dust all about him, and that special Petersburg stench, so familiar to all who are unable to get out of town in summer — all worked painfully upon the young man’s already overwrought nerves. The insufferable stench from the pot houses, which are particularly numerous in that part of the town, and the drunken men whom he met continually, although it was a working day, completed the revolting misery of the picture (Dostoevsky 4).
Dostoevsky’s artistic approach also relies on historical referencing and cultural referencing, which could be seen in his extensive references to Emperor Napoleon as a way to rapport Raskolnikov’s unhinged view of society and a prime example of a “Superhuman” or someone who could bend the law to his will (760). The extensive use of space and lighting in his detailed description also illustrates not just the space in which the characters dwell but also a reflection of their psyche. This is evident in how Dostoevsky used Raskolnikovs’s room as a mirror of his sheltered mind and its position in the building (fifth floor) to signify his heightened sense of self. His experience in the room was described – “At last, he felt cramped and stifled in the little yellow room that was like a cupboard or a box. His eyes and his mind craved for space.” (76) Its cramped space symbolizes the anxieties which Raskolnikov suffers from daily and a stark marker of his destitute state of poverty. During the latter part of the novel, Dostoevsky used religious concepts primarily that of the Christian religion to signify the importance of God and the hope of salvation. This is done through several references to the bible, most notably when Sonia used the story of Lazarus to make Raskolnikov understand the power of second chances in life (407).
Crime and Punishment, from what I felt during my time reading it, has a certain style that is “heavy” or “dark”, which is linked to its deep roots in sensitive issues about the societal issues of 19th-century Russia, the darkness that lurks along the cramped street of St Petersburg and most primarily the comprehensive breakdown of the human psyche, particularly on our values, faith, and morality. Raskolnikov’s viewpoint of the world and the happenings in his life have been ingrained with a nihilistic tone for the majority of the novel, caused by his upbringing which later turns into a more positive tone when he discovers the love of Sonia and a new path for life which she helped Raskolnikov to realize. The characterization of supporting characters also supplements the journey in which Raskolnikov partakes along with the story, primarily the role of Sonia Marmeladov as a source of Raskolnikov’s positive view of humanity through her pureness, and Dmitri Razumikhin, Raskolnikov’s closest friend who directly opposes his characterization with his optimistic point of view and pure intentions, despite the hardships of life.
Dostoevsky’s writing is heavily inspired by his pioneers in early 19th-century Russia and supplemented by his past experiences in manual labor and imprisonment, which has led him to develop a unique, deep, and grotesque way of writing. In Crime and Punishment, he achieved this by using an unapologetic way of describing violence and abuse which can be cited when Raskolnikov murdered Alyona Ivanovna.
He had not a minute more to lose. He pulled the axe quite out, swung it with both arms, scarcely conscious of himself, and almost without effort, almost mechanically, brought the blunt side down on her head. He seemed not to use his strength in this. But as soon as he had once brought the axe down, his strength returned to him. (Dostoevsky, 125)
This alongside painting poverty as he experienced it, this combination has achieved a highly realistic and downright terrifying tone for the story. Crime and Punishment is a dark book yet has an interesting way of illustrating the human condition and, most importantly the role which society plays in shaping man’s morality.
The power of the human mind to cause changes, may it be for the better or the worse, or for the benefit of oneself or the harm of others, was deeply discussed in Crime and Punishment. Grounded characterization, especially that of our main characters has significantly affected me in a way that is understandable no matter how deep of a topic morality and psychology is. This is thanks to the masterful writing of Dostoevsky. Moments such as the death of Marmeladov (371) and the circumstances of Sonya after the death of her foster mother Katerina (673) ratify the importance of the human spirit and have helped show Raskolnikov’s purest intentions despite his warped judgment of the world. Crime and Punishment may be grim a face value but if read carefully, one could understand the power of Raskolnikov’s journey, which could be related to experiences of high doubt of the self, of the society, and the things that we believe in. Through Crime and Punishment’s masterful depiction of such realities, we can be made to understand the importance of human values and solid human connections in making us grounded in reality and our moral obligations. The novel taps into the questions that we never thought would play a large role in shaping our understanding of our values, such questions ask for the definition of what is right or wrong and the nuance it gives from person to person, and most importantly, could we ever go beyond what is ethical with enough power and justification? Such questions that evoke indescribable feelings of existentialism are what I’ve found out while reading the novel.
The novel Crime and Punishment is rich with intellectual value, as it challenges the fundamental thought on which we base our virtues and values, especially the basis of laws and morality that we people abide by. The first example of this is during Raskolnikov’s argument with Porfiry as Raskolnikov’s prime principle of dividing society into the normal folk, who he deemed to be worthy of being subjected to these laws and rules, and those superior people who are gifted with intellect and power, who he deemed to be worthy of circumventing the laws and morality to achieve their actions without consequences. This is quickly been countered by Porfiry’s counterpoints exposing the holes of this way of thinking, where the importance of conscience as a prime indicator of humanity is discarded, and the possibility of a person misjudging himself to be a “Superhuman”, committing acts of crime in the process is possible (400-16). This exchange in the middle of the novel signifies the main philosophy of Raskolnikov and the drive for his murderous actions, and for the readers to contemplate if Raskolnikov’s mentality is grounded in real societal scenarios. Aside from this, through careful analysis of the characters and their motives, we can examine the different issues that plague society, back then in 19th Century Russia and up to the present time. Luzhin’s character serves as the representation of the oppressive and opportunistic upper class, who tried to marry Dunya, Raskolnikov’s sister just to feel the satisfaction of owning someone who is pitiful and below him (64). Svridigalov, much like Luzhin, was also an heir from the upper class. He has done unspeakable acts of violence towards her wife, Marfa Petrovna (766) to get her out of the way of his pursuit of Dunya. People like them make us readers realize the implications of power and how notoriety can corrupt people into doing the most horrible things.
Beyond the grim reality and the gruesome, Crime and Punishment also lays out moral lessons, spiritual essence, and the prevailing beauty of humanity despite its darkest moments. The importance of companionship was fully shown through the pure heart of Dmitri Razumikhin, who despite the coldness of Raskolnikov towards their friendship, still stayed by his side throughout his struggles and at the end of the novel, offered his hand to protect Raskolnikov’s mother and sister when Raskolnikov finally turned himself in (793-805). Sonia Marmeladov represents the pureness of a person’s heart, who despite being in a tough situation of poverty, the death of his parental figures, and the daunting task of providing for her family through acts of prostitution, still holds on to her faith in God and compassion for the people she holds dear. This is further exemplified in the Epilogue where she promises Raskolnikov to forgive him and stay by his side until he finishes his sentence in Siberia. Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya Romanovich, through her sacrifices for her family, has shown us the lengths that we will go to for the betterment of our family, in which she was willing to “sell” herself and marry Luzhin, despite not loving the person, but just to find a way to provide for her family financially. Also during the Epilogue, reference to the journey of Jesus Christ and his miracles for Lazarus, whom Jesus miraculously raised from the dead. This greatly signifies the importance of faith to us, and Sonia used this analogy for the redemption of Raskolnikov, in which “resurrection” is akin to Raskolnikov’s salvation from his crimes and the all-forgiving nature of God if he chooses to direct his life towards faith. This is proven to be the path that Raskolnikov chooses, with the help of Sonia’s words with him (850). The people around Raskolnikov further support the importance of human connection to the well-being of oneself, as we are not the “Superhuman” we ought to be, as we cannot fully alienate ourselves from others, as we need all the help we can get from our loved ones, friends and family to survive this hardship we call living.
The novel is certainly for people who wish to gain more understanding of the grim situation of society. Due to its main themes of violence, abuse, poverty, and existentialism, it is not suitable for audiences who find these kinds of themes repulsive, and for children who may not yet grasp these concepts properly. But besides that, this novel is highly valuable for what it gives us the readers, and I recommend it to everyone who wants to be exposed to such media, for it gives us a comprehensive view of the human psyche and the implications of societal elements and intellectual dissonance to a person’s view of the world.
Dostoevsky’s writing is certainly unique and impactful which in turn paved the way for contemporary writers in the space of psychological drama to create more captivating stories. The impact created by contemporary philosophy is also understated. He had a great impact on the writings of some great philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzche and Jean-Paul Sartre, to name a few. The use of religion in the novel, can be seen in the characters and their relationship with God, as can be seen in Marmeladov’s speech:
‘You too come forth,’ He will say, ‘Come forth ye drunkards, come forth, ye weak ones, come forth, ye children of shame!’ And we shall all come forth, without shame, and shall stand before Him. And He will say unto us, ‘Ye are swine, made in the Image of the Beast and with his mark; but come ye also!’ And the wise ones and those of understanding will say, ‘Oh Lord, why dost Thou receive these men?’ And He will say, ‘This is why I receive them, oh ye wise, this is why I receive them, oh ye of understanding, that not one of them believed himself to be worthy of this.’ (Dostoevsky 36-7)
Marmeladov’s speech signifies the impartiality of God for his forgiveness, for all kinds of people. These kinds of messages from the book have ushered a new era for modern philosophy, mainly Western existentialism, which is ironic in the sense that existentialism emphasizes the non-existence of God, yet Crime and Punishment’s main resolution is through Raskolnikov finding solace through his faith, as Dostoevsky specifically intended to portray in the importance of God and faith to our overall well-being and an opportunity for a better life.
Crime and Punishment is a massive novel containing dozens of chapters in which we learn about the life of Rodion Raskolnikov and his path to salvation. Crime and Punishment pushed the limits of what we can achieve in writing, for its heavy psychological and highly philosophical writing that has truly left a massive influence on the world of literature, and society at large. It was truly a great reading experience, as reading the novel allowed me to take a peek at the mind and the thought process of a person who possesses intellect but due to his circumstances, was driven to do heinous acts of crime and the path he took to come to terms with this fact and finally, the release he deserves through the help of his companions. Crime and Punishment provides a gruesome point of view in which we can view morality in the light of someone who is stricken with the ailments of society and allows us to show the importance of human connection and faith as a way to keep us grounded to reality. Crime and Punishment will be a staple read for a deeper inquisition of the human psyche and Dostoevsky certainly will not disappoint with his masterful writing and storytelling, which has made this piece of literary work relevant after hundreds of years and will for more centuries to come.
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