Raskolnikov, a former student in St. Petersburg, wrestles with a daring plan to commit murder and the moral turmoil that follows. The novel explores the psychological depth of guilt, redemption, and the clash between rationalism and compassion, establishing it as a cornerstone of Russian realism and existential thought.
Try these questions
- What are the central themes of guilt, redemption, and the conflict between rationalism and morality in the novel?
- How does Raskolnikov’s internal struggle reveal his character development throughout the story?
- In what ways does the social and political climate of 19th‑century Russia influence the events and attitudes depicted in the book?
- How does Dostoyevsky’s use of psychological realism and narrative perspective shape the reader’s experience of the story?
Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoyevsky