Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky | Summary & Analysis

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth analysis of the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel Crime and Punishment.


Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky's canonical exploration of the ramifications of a single immoral act, traces the tale of Raskolnikov, a down-and-out law student who decides to commit a murder.

Justifying his fatal attack on a pawnbroker by citing her immorality and the financial benefit of robbing her, Raskolnikov nonetheless descends into a spiral of guilt and must ultimately come to terms with his crime.

Many of the characters also embody both virtue and vice, leaning toward one or the other as the situation dictates.

Believing even a murderer has the potential to be a productive member of society, Porfiry presents a path to redemption. Sonia represents a path to confession and forgiveness; her compassion speaks to the importance of all humanity.

Set in an era of conflict between religious and secular morality, this parable provides harrowing psychological insight into the consequences of moral relativism.

Russian writer Dostoevsky is widely considered to be one of the great psychological novelists. In Crime and Punishment, first published in 1866, he explores anguish, analyzes human dilemmas, and examines the struggle between harsh social realities and religious belief. As a young man, Dostoevsky belonged to a radical socialist group, but in prison he returned to Christianity.

The drama contains many enduring themes, including the conflict between "rational" concepts of morality and religious morality; suffering, and whether it is necessary for redemption; and alienation, as isolation from society can breed unstable thoughts. Important symbols include Napoleon as the “exceptional man,” Sonia’s cross, and Raskolnikov's garret.


About Course Hero:

Master Your Classes™ with Course Hero!

Get the latest updates:

[screenwriterabdullahh.erak]

I finished reading it last night and this is an excellent cherry on the top -- thank you Course Hero!

[abrahamanthony]

As a literature student i have read many novels of many authors and times some of my favorites include 'Mill on the Floss', 'Hard Times' and of course 'Crime and Punishment''. i read crime and punishment some 3 or 4 years back and whenever i hear the name of the novel i get chills its like the whole life of Raskolnikov come and goes in a flash and i say to myself what a novel that was. The novel shows the power of true love can do anything....imagine if there was no character called sonia then what would would have happened to the Rodion all need someone who will be sonia to us....

[Tlhakxza]

I’ve just finished reading this book, I am proud of myself and have great respect for FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY, I’m not a novel kinda guy but this book was worth all my time and attention, I loved the bumpy, emotional ride I was taken on...now I’m gonna read more of DOSTOEVSKY’s Books, he’s indeed a brilliant writer.✌🏿🇿🇦😉

[juliem.]

I wish I could keep their names straight

[timwright]

Something from course hero without a pay wall... 👏🏻

[stumarston]

I'm gonna read this. I hear it's good. The last book I read was good too. The guy ended up liking the green eggs and ham.

[macphin]

Enjoyed the enthusiastic and energetic delivery as well as the novel's details.

[jawadmian]

The most interesting and perfect lecture on this novel, I have ever heard. Keep making this kind of stuff.

[error-vfte]

before the confession of his crimes Raskolnikov suffered but this suffering didn't stop in Cyberia for a while . but one day when Sonya visited him, he hugged her and started crying om her feet . he fainally got to the salvation

this is important theme in the book. some people think that as soon as you will get Christian you will feel good . but it's not always so . you get tested by the faith you chose, and once you can prove that you really are true Christian, than and only than you will feel well to yourself

[lovetownsend]

Love the attitude the speaker gives, very engaging :)

[AR-murz]

To everyone seeking a new beginning; redemption is key.

[strella_]

Alright, I´ve found Fyodor thru Bungo Stray Dogs and yes, I know that this is an anime but since the characters are based on their authors most famous book, I had to look into fyodor since his ability isnt explained and is only known to kill anyone he comes in contact with.

[HipHop]

Just finished the book. This helped a lot

[tpython]

I completed book around 1 and half month ago but this summary help alot to remember all that pages (767) in just 13:13 minutes ❤ love from Pakistan

[JonnyBeoulve]

Excellent summary. I had a difficult time reading and comprehending this book, but absolutely admire its themes and moral qualities.

[werimutamihana]

I just finished this epic novel it was amazing reading. I just love Sonya n have empathy n compassion for her.

[pointysidedown]

I just wanted to say it was never confirmed that svidrigalov actually commited any crimes. He was accused of murdered and other things were hinted at, but in the translation I read it was only rumors, no real proof of any crime committed by him.

[FlyingTeacup]

You make no mention at all of Dreams and Taverns and Rodion "Rodya" Romanovitch Raskolnikov's idea of the Extraordinary man...?

[gautamsarkar]

Awesome sir 🙏. Love and respect from India🇮🇳

[willlexie]

Representation comment for RAZUMIKHIN, for being an easily likeable character.