Crime and Punishment | Fyodor Dostoevsky | Cliff Note Books

“Crime and Punishment” is a psychological novel that follows the story of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a former law student living in St. Petersburg, who is living in extreme poverty and isolation. Raskolnikov develops a theory that extraordinary people are not bound by ordinary laws and can commit crimes for the sake of humanity. To test his theory, he murders Alyona Ivanovna, a cruel and wealthy pawnbroker, and her sister Lizaveta, who happens to stumble upon the scene.

Raskolnikov’s crime is not a well-thought-out plan but rather an impulsive act, and he barely escapes detection. The remainder of the novel traces his emotional and mental state after the murders. Raskolnikov feels a mix of guilt, terror, and relief, which leads to erratic behavior that raises the suspicions of the local police.

Raskolnikov’s life is intertwined with several other characters, including his devoted sister Dunya, his friend Razumikhin, his mother Pulcheria Alexandrovna, and the Marmeladov family, including the drunkard father, the consumptive and virtuous daughter Sonya, and the long-suffering mother Katerina Ivanovna.

Sonya, who has been forced into prostitution to support her family, becomes a symbol of redemption in the novel. She gives Raskolnikov a New Testament and urges him to confess his crime and accept punishment for it.

Simultaneously, Porfiry Petrovich, the detective investigating the pawnbroker’s murder, has a strong suspicion that Raskolnikov is the killer, but he lacks concrete evidence. Instead, he attempts to wear Raskolnikov down through psychological tactics, hoping to bring him to a point of confession.

Finally, after intense inner turmoil and prodding by Sonya and Porfiry, Raskolnikov confesses to the murders and is sentenced to eight years in a Siberian labor camp. Sonya follows him to Siberia, and her love and support, along with his guilt and suffering, lead Raskolnikov towards spiritual regeneration.

Throughout the novel, Dostoevsky explores themes of guilt, redemption, the nature of good and evil, the psychological impact of crime, and the human capacity for resilience and transformation.

QUOTES

“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.”

“To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s.”

“Man grows used to everything, the scoundrel!”

“The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God!”

“Don’t be overwise; fling yourself straight into life, without deliberation; don’t be afraid – the flood will bear you to the bank and set you safe on your feet again.”

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.”

“And the more I drink the more I feel it. That’s why I drink too. I try to find sympathy and feeling in drink…. I drink so that I may suffer twice as much!”

“If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be his punishment–as well as the prison.”

“I did not bow down to you, I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity.”

“What do you think, would not one tiny crime be wiped out by thousands of good deeds?”

AUTHOR

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a Russian novelist, journalist, and short-story writer who is considered one of the greatest psychological novelists in world literature.

Dostoevsky was born in Moscow, the second of seven children. His father, Mikhail, was a military doctor and a stern and rigid man, while his mother, Maria, was nurturing and kind. He was introduced to literature at a young age, particularly through the works of Russian and European novelists.

In 1837, Dostoevsky’s mother died, and he was sent to a military engineering institute in St. Petersburg. His father died in 1839 under mysterious circumstances, with some accounts suggesting he was murdered by his own serfs.

In the mid-1840s, Dostoevsky resigned from his military engineering position to devote himself to writing. His first novel, “Poor Folk,” was well-received, and he became associated with the group of social and political reformers known as the Petrashevsky Circle.

However, in 1849, Dostoevsky and others from the circle were arrested for their involvement in revolutionary activities. After a mock execution, Dostoevsky was sentenced to four years of hard labor in Siberia, followed by service as a soldier. His experiences in prison significantly influenced his later work and his political and social views.

In the 1860s, after his release, Dostoevsky traveled abroad and began to write again. He produced several of his most famous novels during this time, including “Crime and Punishment,” “The Idiot,” “Demons,” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

Dostoevsky married Maria Dmitrievna Isaeva in 1857, while he was still in Siberia. After her death in 1864, he married Anna Grigoryevna Snitkina in 1867. He had four children, though only two survived infancy.

Despite his literary success, Dostoevsky struggled with financial difficulties throughout his life, in part due to a gambling addiction. He died in St. Petersburg in 1881.

Dostoevsky’s works explore themes of psychology, philosophy, religion, and politics. His insightful exploration of the human psyche has had a profound influence on 20th and 21st-century literature, and he is often regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time.

CRITICISMS

“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a literary classic that is generally well-regarded for its deep exploration of psychological and philosophical themes. However, like any work of art, it has also faced some criticism. Here are a few points that have been raised:

1. Style and Structure: Some readers find Dostoevsky’s writing style challenging. The novel is dense and philosophical, with long passages of introspection and dialogue that delve into existential themes. This can make the novel feel slow-paced or difficult to follow for some readers.
2. Characters: Some critics have argued that the characters in “Crime and Punishment” are more like ideological constructs than believable, well-rounded individuals. They serve to illustrate Dostoevsky’s philosophical points rather than to engage the reader’s empathy or interest on a personal level.
3. Depiction of Women: Dostoevsky’s depiction of women in “Crime and Punishment” has also been a point of criticism. The main female characters, such as Sonya and Dunya, are often idealized and given roles of self-sacrifice, which can be viewed as a limited and stereotypical portrayal of women.
4. Lack of Realism: Although “Crime and Punishment” is considered a work of Realism, some critics argue that many aspects of the novel are not realistic. For example, Raskolnikov’s rapid psychological decline after the murders, and his ultimate redemption through Sonya’s Christian influence, may seem too extreme or too neatly resolved.
5. Depiction of Poverty and Society: Some critics argue that Dostoevsky, despite his depiction of poverty and social issues, does not provide a sufficient critique of the societal conditions that lead to these issues.

Despite these criticisms, “Crime and Punishment” is generally recognized as a profound exploration of morality, guilt, and redemption, with enduring relevance and impact. It is widely considered one of the greatest novels ever written.

DISCUSSION

“Crime and Punishment” is a complex novel that raises a multitude of questions and discussion points. Here are some themes and issues you could consider when studying the book:

1. Raskolnikov’s Theory and Motivations: What is Raskolnikov’s theory about “extraordinary” people, and how does it influence his decision to commit murder? To what extent are his actions motivated by his theory, his economic situation, or his mental state?
2. The Role of Women: How are women portrayed in the novel? What roles do they play, and how do they influence the male characters, particularly Raskolnikov?
3. The Concept of Guilt and Punishment: How does the novel explore the idea of guilt and its psychological effects? What does the novel suggest about justice and the nature of punishment?
4. The Theme of Redemption: How is the theme of redemption portrayed in the novel? What role does Sonya play in Raskolnikov’s path to redemption?
5. Socioeconomic Conditions: How does Dostoevsky depict the poverty and social conditions of 19th-century Russia? How do these conditions affect the characters and their actions?
6. The Influence of Philosophy and Religion: How do philosophical and religious ideas shape the characters’ beliefs and actions? How does Dostoevsky use these ideas to explore moral and ethical questions?
7. The Role of the City: How does the setting of St. Petersburg contribute to the novel’s mood and themes? How does the city affect the characters and their actions?
8. The Use of Symbols and Motifs: How does Dostoevsky use symbols (like the cross Sonya gives Raskolnikov) and motifs (such as dreams) to develop themes and characterizations?
9. The Narrative Structure: How does the structure of the novel, with its shifts in perspective and its focus on Raskolnikov’s psychological state, affect the story and its themes?
10. The Depiction of Mental Illness: How does Dostoevsky portray Raskolnikov’s mental state? Is it an accurate representation of psychological distress, and how does it contribute to the novel’s exploration of guilt and conscience?

Remember, these are just starting points for discussion. “Crime and Punishment” is a deeply layered novel, and there are many different interpretations and angles you could explore.

SUMMARIES

PART ONE

Chapter 1: We’re introduced to the protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, a former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg. He visits Alyona Ivanovna, a pawnbroker, to pawn a watch and tests the scene for a crime he’s contemplating – the murder of Alyona.

Chapter 2: Raskolnikov debates the morality of his planned crime. He receives a letter from his mother, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, informing him of his sister Dunya’s engagement to a man named Luzhin, primarily for his money to help Raskolnikov.

Chapter 3: Raskolnikov reacts to the news of his sister’s engagement with disgust, believing she is sacrificing herself for his sake. He encounters a drunk girl in the street who is nearly taken advantage of, increasing his anger at the injustices of society.

Chapter 4: Raskolnikov helps the drunk girl by giving some money to a policeman to get her home. He then has a conversation with a student and an officer, overhearing them discussing the potential benefits if Alyona Ivanovna were to be killed.

Chapter 5: Raskolnikov dreams of watching a peasant beat an old mare to death, which mirrors his plan to kill the pawnbroker. This dream, along with the conversation from Chapter 4, seems to finalize his decision to commit the murder.

Chapter 6: Raskolnikov walks aimlessly around St. Petersburg, wrestling with his conscience about the murder. By chance, he discovers that Alyona Ivanovna will be alone at a particular time the next evening, providing him with the perfect opportunity to commit the crime.

Chapter 7: In a feverish and desperate state, Raskolnikov murders Alyona Ivanovna with an axe. Lizaveta, Alyona’s half-sister, walks in on the scene, and Raskolnikov kills her too, out of panic. He narrowly escapes without being seen.

PART TWO

Chapter 1: Raskolnikov wakes up after the murder, paranoid and on the brink of delirium. He manages to hide the stolen items under a stone in an out-of-the-way courtyard.

Chapter 2: Raskolnikov receives a summons from the police, which he initially believes is related to the murder. However, it turns out to be about a debt he owes. He faints in the police station when a discussion about the murder takes place.

Chapter 3: Raskolnikov falls into a feverish illness. His friend Razumikhin finds him and takes responsibility for his care, worried about his friend’s state of mind and health.

Chapter 4: Raskolnikov’s landlady, Praskovya Pavlovna, and her servant, Nastasya, discuss his condition. Praskovya Pavlovna plans to complain about him to the police.

Chapter 5: Raskolnikov wakes up and has a conversation with Razumikhin. They discuss various topics, including Raskolnikov’s family and the murder of Alyona and Lizaveta. Raskolnikov behaves erratically, causing Razumikhin to worry.

Chapter 6: Raskolnikov, still not fully recovered, goes out and meets a man named Zossimov, a doctor, and Luzhin, the man engaged to Raskolnikov’s sister Dunya. Raskolnikov is rude to Luzhin and then abruptly leaves.

Chapter 7: Raskolnikov visits the scene of the crime. When he returns to his room, he finds an investigator from the police department waiting to speak with him.

PART THREE

Chapter 1: Raskolnikov speaks with Porfiry Petrovich, the examining magistrate for the murder case. Porfiry doesn’t suspect Raskolnikov but wants to discuss Raskolnikov’s article on crime that was published earlier.

Chapter 2: Raskolnikov leaves Petrovich’s office and encounters a former student named Razumikhin. He learns that his mother and sister are coming to St. Petersburg. Later, Raskolnikov has a brief interaction with a stranger who accuses him of being the murderer.

Chapter 3: Raskolnikov visits his mother, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, and sister, Dunya. The meeting is tense and ends with Raskolnikov urging Dunya to break off her engagement with Luzhin.

Chapter 4: The focus shifts to Razumikhin, who falls in love with Dunya. He also voices his suspicions about Luzhin’s intentions toward Dunya.

Chapter 5: Raskolnikov attends a party at Razumikhin’s, where he has another unsettling conversation with Porfiry Petrovich. He also meets Sonya, a young prostitute who will play a crucial role in his journey.

Chapter 6: Raskolnikov has a strange conversation with Sonya, promising to tell her who murdered Alyona and Lizaveta. Afterward, he collapses in the street and is taken home.

PART FOUR

Chapter 1: Raskolnikov, still ill, wakes up to find his mother and sister at his apartment. They express concern for his health. Luzhin arrives and an argument ensues, ending with Dunya breaking off the engagement.

Chapter 2: Raskolnikov visits Sonya. She reads him the story of Lazarus from the Bible, symbolizing her hope for his moral and spiritual resurrection.

Chapter 3: Raskolnikov goes to a tavern where he meets Svidrigailov, Dunya’s former suitor who had made inappropriate advances towards her. Svidrigailov reveals that he overheard Raskolnikov’s confession to Sonya and offers him money, which Raskolnikov refuses.

Chapter 4: A conversation ensues between Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov. Svidrigailov reveals his intentions to marry Dunya, and Raskolnikov warns him off.

Chapter 5: Raskolnikov visits Porfiry Petrovich, who subtly hints that he suspects him of the murders. Porfiry refers to an article Raskolnikov wrote, discussing the idea of ‘extraordinary’ people who have the right to transgress the law, further unsettling Raskolnikov.

Chapter 6: After leaving Porfiry’s office, Raskolnikov encounters a workman who also accuses him of the murder, driving him into further paranoia.

PART FIVE

Chapter 1: This chapter begins with Katerina Ivanovna, the wife of the deceased Marmeladov and Sonya’s mother, planning a memorial dinner. Despite their poverty, she insists on having a feast.

Chapter 2: The memorial dinner devolves into chaos. Katerina Ivanovna gets into a fight with her landlady and a policeman is called. Luzhin shows up and accuses Sonya of stealing money from him, but Lebezyatnikov, a tenant in the building, proves Sonya’s innocence.

Chapter 3: Katerina Ivanovna, in a state of hysteria, leads her children into the streets, where she dances and sings, causing a spectacle. She eventually collapses and is taken to a hospital.

Chapter 4: Raskolnikov visits Sonya, and he confesses to her that he killed the old pawnbroker and her sister. Sonya is horrified but promises to stick by him and urges him to confess his crime and seek redemption.

Chapter 5: Svidrigailov has been eavesdropping on Raskolnikov’s confession to Sonya. Raskolnikov leaves Sonya’s room and has a confrontation with Svidrigailov, who reveals that he knows Raskolnikov’s secret.

PART SIX

Chapter 1: Raskolnikov confronts Svidrigailov about his intentions towards Dunya. Svidrigailov suggests that he knows Raskolnikov’s secret and hints that he may use it against him.

Chapter 2: Porfiry Petrovich visits Raskolnikov and admits that he suspects him of the murders. However, without concrete evidence, he can’t arrest him. He urges Raskolnikov to confess, suggesting that it would lessen his sentence.

Chapter 3: Raskolnikov considers his options. He visits Sonya, and she gives him a cross, symbolizing the redemption she hopes he will find.

Chapter 4: Raskolnikov dreams of a world plagued by a terrible disease that causes people to become mad and violent. He wakes up determined to confess his crime.

Chapter 5: Svidrigailov offers to pay for Dunya’s future, but when she refuses, he reveals that he overheard Raskolnikov’s confession. He attempts to blackmail Dunya into being with him, but she resists.

Chapter 6: Svidrigailov, rejected and without hope, commits suicide.

Chapter 7: Raskolnikov, wearing Sonya’s cross, walks to the police station to confess, but initially finds himself unable to. But when he learns of Svidrigailov’s suicide, he finally confesses to the murders.

Chapter 8: The chapter ends with Raskolnikov confessing: “It was I killed the old pawnbroker woman and her sister Lizaveta with an axe and robbed them.”

PART SEVEN

Chapter 1: After the trial, Raskolnikov is sentenced to eight years in a Siberian prison camp. His mother, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, dies shortly after his sentencing, and Dunya marries Razumikhin. Sonya follows Raskolnikov to Siberia to be close to him.

Chapter 2: Raskolnikov struggles with his guilt and the reality of his punishment, showing no signs of moral regeneration. He falls ill, and in his feverish state, he dreams of a world struck by a plague of radical egoism, where everyone believes they’re in the right and society descends into chaos.

When he wakes up, he finds Sonya by his side. He realizes he loves her, and for the first time, he feels a deep regret for his crime. This moment signifies his spiritual rebirth, parallel to the biblical story of Lazarus, which Sonya had read to him earlier.

The novel ends with the statement that Raskolnikov’s new life, his “resurrection from the dead,” will be the subject of a new story – the story of his gradual return to humanity, to a real life, and to a renewed sense of morality.

The Epilogue of “Crime and Punishment” thus resolves the story by showing Raskolnikov’s punishment and redemption, fulfilling the moral and philosophical premises established throughout the novel. Dostoevsky suggests that even a person who has committed such a grave crime can seek and find redemption, emphasizing the power of love and human connection to heal and to save.