In the novel Crime and Punishment, readers travel to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s complex religious views. Many characters practice a sort of Russian Orthodoxy in Crime and Punishment. The ongoing theme of fate and destiny in the novel shows just how Dostoevsky was a believer in a supernatural being controlling our destiny, despite our own will we possess. Through imagery, ideas, and symbols Dostoevsky established a solid case for Raskolnikov’s decision regarding religion. Just off the bat, imagery played a big role in Raskolnikov’s decision with religion. Raskolnikov evolved from a nihilistic man who isolated himself from people because he preferred to not be around others. Despite this, he made an encounter one day with Marmeladov who said “will …show more content…
This further added to the ground Dostoevsky was adding to. Raskolnikov realizes the salvation he can enjoy with the love he feels for Sonia, "...and until then how much unbearable pain, what infinite happiness! He knew that he was born again. He felt himself completely renewed in his very being" (521). I think this quote is critical to understanding Dostoevsky's intentions with this text. It proves that Raskolnikov was able to be "reborn" into this new being and this new state of mind, after having suffered through a morality struggle for some time, and find happiness through his love for Sonia. Being away from Dunya, mother, and Razumikhin, makes him feel more alone than ever. He knows that the only way to get back to attaining a life worth pursuing is to seek the love for Sonya and begin to understand religion more in his own interpretation. In fact it is evident to say that religion is always interpreted differently by …show more content…
When he claimed to have removed a “louse” from society, the reader understands Raskolnikov’s way of thinking. Certain clues raised the question on his own beliefs, but they bloomed over time. Raskolnikov portrays the ideal nihilist, he cares nothing about the emotions of others. Furthermore, he tended to rid himself from any problems of others. Raskolnikov did his best in ignoring society for what it was, and focused on himself and his theory of an extraordinary man. However this, by the end of the novel, as Raskolnikov discovers love which in turn gets rid of his sense of