Raskolnikov's View On The Relationship Between Crime And Punishment

In fyodor dostoevsky’s “ Crime and Punishment”, The central character Raskolnikov Experiences a change in character, which later on will also change his opinion on crime as well. Raskolnikov’s conversation with Sonia allows him to experience a new outlook on the crime he has committed.

Dostoyevsky’s writing closely follows the idea of “The Overman” otherwise know as the “Ubermensch”. This theory originally published by german philosopher Nietzsche is expressed in Raskolnikov’s article “on crime”. In part V, Porfiry is keen to understand what Raskolnikov intended to say with this article. Raskolnikov’s “on crime” States various rationales for committing murder. Raskolnikov talks about the idea of “Over Men” otherwise known as those who

Sonia causes Raskolnikov to go into a sense of disbelief, he has started to question. Sonia’s language creates fear within Raskolnikov, as shown in the following quotes: “God has stricken you and turned you over to the devil.” (398) Even when raskolnikov explains his idea of “the overman”, she does not agree. Sonia continues to push Raskolnikov to answers: “To kill? The right to kill?... you killed,You killed!” (399). At the end of this conversation Raskolnikov asks sonia for a solution to which sonia produces a solution that will in the end change Raskolnikov’s mind. Sonia says: “ Go this very moment, and stand at the crossroads; bow down, and first kiss the earth which you have defiled, then bow down to the whole world, to the four points of the compass, and say aloud, for all men to hear: ‘I have killed!’ then god will send you life again. (400) This passionate response creates a dilemma for Raskolnikov, he does not want to go to siberia nor does he want to give himself up. To which Sonia replies: “You must accept suffering and redeem yourself by it” (400). After feeling this great amount of guilt, Raskolnikov must accept. At the end of this chapter, Raskolnikov has committed the crime and has started to accept his

Raskolnikov’s conversation with Sonia greatly shape these actions as Sonia bestows a sense of guilt within Raskolnikov. This shift in character can be derived from Raskolnikov’s talk with someone whom he cares for. Raskolnikov’s feelings towards Porfiry can be expressed within the following quote: “[Porfiry’s] unconcealed, obtrusive, irritating, discourteous sarcasm seemed strange” (253). While talking to Porfiry, Raskolnikov disputes all of Porfiry's claims. However while talking to Sonia whom he cares for, he tries to clash with Sonia’s ideas however soon finds that Sonia is right. Another aspect that i found quite interesting is the various meanings of character names within the novel. “Sonia” meaning wisdom and “Razumikhin” meaning reason. Sonia gives Raskolnikov the correct judgment to do the correct thing, and Razumihin is like a brother to Raskolnikov making sure he thinks before doing something. Raskolnikov has changed from a defensive standpoint to one of frailty and submissiveness. These events within the novel create a new dilemma. From thinking that Raskolnikov has gotten away with the crime, we now see punishment developing. This shows a immense change in Raskolnikov, it is clear that he could not have held burden for the rest of his