anovna’s flat. He kills Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta Ivanovna with an axe. The narrator says,
“He killed them with an axe he brought with him.”
But after the murder, he does not find peace. Instead, he breaks down. His weakness shows his weak mind. His room in St. Petersburg is small, dark, and suffocating, like his mental state. Dostoevsky uses his fever, dreams, and fainting to show his inner psychology.
Sonia’s Faith and Psychology: Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladov (Sonia) is poor but full of faith. Her love is psychological medicine for Raskolnikov. When Raskolnikov confesses to her, Sonia cries but forgives. She stands as light in the darkness. In the last part, Dostoevsky writes,
“He looked at Sonia and felt how great was her love for him.”
This shows rebirth. Sonia carries guilt for her life as a prostitute, but she also carries spiritual hope. Her psychology is sacrifice and love. Raskolnikov slowly changes because Sonia gives him sympathy and faith.
Porfiry Petrovich and Psychological Interrogation: Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, does not rush with evidence. He uses psychology. He asks Raskolnikov again and again about his theory of “extraordinary men.” These talks make Raskolnikov nervous. He avoids, becomes angry, and shows signs of guilt. Porfiry studies his face, his words, his fear. Dostoevsky shows that true investigation is not only about facts. It is about reading the human mind.
Svidrigailov’s Psychology of Despair: Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov is another psychological figure. He is rich and immoral. He follows Dunya, Raskolnikov’s sister. But his soul is full of emptiness. He says he sees no meaning in life. Finally, he shoots himself. His suicide is not just an act but a window into the psychology of hopelessness. He shows the dark side of desire, guilt, and despair in St. Petersburg’s streets.
Psychology of Redemption: At the end, Raskolnikov accepts his crime. He confesses. He goes to Siberia. But his real punishment is inside. Sonia follows him. In prison, he feels love for her. Dostoevsky says he felt,
“A sudden impotence and fear.”
He fears telling Sonia about the murder. This fear turns into repentance. His psychology changes from pride to humility. Redemption becomes a mental rebirth.
“Crime and Punishment” is a true psychological novel. Dostoevsky not only tells us what happens outside, but also shows us what happens inside. Throughout the novel, we see the human soul in struggle. The St. Petersburg setting, the murders, the confessions, and the prison life all shine light on psychology. That is why the novel remains a masterpiece of the mind.
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