Crime and Punishment Post

Crime and Punishment is interesting because of what it does not say in the title. Although the novel does detail Raskolnakov's crime as well as emotional and governmental punishment, it does not tell the reader the result: Redemption. In the beginning of this novel, Raskolnakov's first instincts appear to be the noble ones. He impulsively leaves money at Marmeldov's home for his struggling family, and it is not until later that he thinks of himself and regrets this decision. Similarly, he entreated a policeman to help protect a young girl who was feverishly stalked by a business man intending to have his way with her. It is not until after he has taken action to protect her that he resolves the predator should have this unfortunate young girl. The world is "to much with" Raskolnakov and he drifts away from these good intentions to a self serving appetite and wicked actions in the murder of Alonya and her sister. However, this was not in a passion. It was rather a heavily meditated event, perhaps suggesting that Raskolnakov is still instinctually good and therefore can be redeemed. Other characters such as Porfiry and Sonia express their faith in his redemption, Sonia perhaps as his conscience, and Porfiry as his guide. Does this tale of redemption illustrate the inherant goodness of man? Or does it dictate that we must fail, and we must redeem ourselves?