Crime and Punishment

In Crime and Punishment, we follow Rodion Raskolnikov, a former student living in St. Petersburg, who is struggling with poverty and a sense of alienation. He develops a theory that certain extraordinary individuals have the right to commit crimes if it serves a greater purpose. To test this theory, Raskolnikov murders Alena Ivanovna, a pawnbroker, believing he can use her money to do good in the world.

After the murder, Raskolnikov is consumed by guilt and paranoia, leading him to experience intense psychological torment. He encounters various characters, such as Sonia, a compassionate young woman forced into prostitution to support her family, and Porfiry Petrovich, the astute detective investigating the murder. Through interactions with these characters, Raskolnikov grapples with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions.

The novel culminates in Raskolnikov confessing to Sonia and, ultimately, to the authorities. He is sentenced to Siberian penal servitude, where he begins his journey toward redemption. Through Raskolnikov's struggle, Dostoevsky explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of morality.