Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, wanders through the slums of St Petersburg and commits a random murder without remorse or regret. He imagines himself to be a great man, a Napoleon: acting for a higher purpose beyond conventional moral law.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1866, is one of the most significant works in the history of literature, exploring themes of morality, guilt, redemption, and the psychological toll of crime. Set in St. Petersburg, Russia, the novel follows the story of Rodion Raskolnikov, a young, impoverished former student who believes he is intellectually and morally superior to others. He develops a theory that certain individuals, whom he deems "extraordinary," are justified in committing immoral acts if it benefits humanity.
Raskolnikov's theory leads him to murder Alyona Ivanovna, a pawnbroker whom he views as a "louse" and a burden on society. He plans the murder as a means to free himself from his poverty and to test his belief in his own moral superiority. However, the murder does not go as planned, and Raskolnikov is consumed by guilt, paranoia, and psychological torment. Throughout the novel, he struggles with the consequences of his actions, grappling with his conscience, the law, and his own sense of identity.
The novel delves deeply into Raskolnikov's mental and emotional state, portraying his isolation and internal conflict. Dostoevsky explores the nature of evil, the concept of suffering, and the potential for redemption, contrasting Raskolnikov's journey with that of other characters, such as Sonia Marmeladov, a self-sacrificing and devout woman who, despite her own tragic circumstances, becomes a source of compassion and hope for Raskolnikov.
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