Crime and Punishment

Author: (Russian) Dostoevsky
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: "Crime and Punishment" is a pinnacle in Dostoevsky's creative works, bringing him worldwide acclaim. "Crime and Punishment" fully showcases Dostoevsky's creative characteristics:
1. The shaping of character traits is not achieved through the author's external depiction of the characters but through the characters' internal expressions of their consciousness.
2. Based on the independence of characters from the author, the thoughts of the characters and the differing viewpoints expressed in their dialogues hold equal status with the author's voice, forming the polyphony of the novel.
3. The use of artistic techniques such as symbolism, dreams, allusions, and hints expands the ideological depth of the work. For example: Raskolnikov is almost perpetually in a state of illness and mental confusion, symbolizing the illness of his thoughts. Another example: The dream of a villager killing a thin horse highlights Raskolnikov's conscience, as he is in the dream. Yet another example: The surname Raskolnikov carries the meaning of division, suggesting the protagonist's split personality. The surname Karamazov originates from the ancient city of Gath, and everything that happens in his household reminds one of the biblical accounts of the city.
This book tells the story of the protagonist, who, due to his impoverished background, finds himself in a desperate situation with no food or shelter. He kills an elderly usurer to steal her property and also kills her younger sister. Although he escapes legal punishment, he is condemned by morality and conscience. Ultimately, he surrenders himself after being moved by a prostitute.