The Symbolism Of The Cross In Dostoevsky's Crime And P

Lucas Scott once said “There are moments in our lives when we find ourselves at a crossroad, afraid, confused, without a roadmap. The choices we make in those moments can define the rest of our days. Of course when faced with the unknown, most of us prefer to turn around and go back.” The Christian cross embodies Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The arms of the cross can additionally symbolize the choices and decisions one may make. The choice you select ultimately transforms your life. Dostoevsky became religious after his time in jail. As a result, he wrote Crime and Punishment and incorporated teachings from the bible and the symbolism of the cross for the advancements of the characters. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment utilizes the symbolism of the cross, demonstrating redemption, self-sacrifice, and trust, all of which naturally associates with Raskolnikov’s life-changing decisions. In the falling action where Raskolnikov confesses the murders to the police, Sonya gives Raskolnikov a cross to him as a symbol of redemption or the act of being saved from sin or evil. Furthermore, both Sonya and Lizaveta closely resemble the Christ-like figures throughout the novel. Lizaveta for instance, “said little and, as has already been

As Sonya was the first person he confessed to, Sonya eventually lead him to confessing his crimes and facing his punishment. The cross offered to Raskolnikov exemplifies the trust and bond between them, which motivates Raskolnikov to confess despite feeling hesitant. This is shown when Raskolnikov leaves the police station before confessing and seeing Sonya. Raskolnikov “stepped outside; he was swaying. His head was going round. He could hardly tell whether he was standing upright” (632). Although he cannot be convinced of the moral necessity of confession, he however, understands that the authorities can no longer be