Crime and Punishment

Novel | Fyodor Dostoevsky
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Write in Brief Dostoevsky's Concept of Ethics as You Trace it in His Novel, “Crime and Punishment.”

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Write briefly about Dostoevsky’s concept of ethics as traced in “Crime and Punishment.”

Or, Discuss in brief Dostoevsky's concept of ethics as you trace in his novel “Crime and Punishment.” [NU: 2019] ★★★

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) shows deep ideas of ethics in “Crime and Punishment” (1866). The novel is not only about murder. It is about moral choice. Raskolnikov, Sonia, Porfiry, and others show how ethics means justice, responsibility, and compassion.

Ethics and Responsibility: Raskolnikov in Saint Petersburg tries to justify murder as a theory. He says that some people are extraordinary and can break laws. But after killing Alyona and Lizaveta, he feels pain. He says, 

“It’s nonsense…… Why have I come to torture you?”

His words show that ethics does not support selfish pride. True responsibility means respect for human life. Dostoyevsky shows that ethics begins when one accepts guilt.

Ethics and Compassion: Sonia, the daughter of Marmeladov, represents pure ethics. She lives in poverty. She sells herself to feed her family. Yet she never loses faith. When Raskolnikov confesses to her, So

nia cries but forgives. She says, 

“Who has made me a judge to decide who is to live and who is not to live?”

These words show Dostoyevsky’s ethics: no human can play God. Compassion and mercy are stronger than judgment.

Ethics and Justice: Porfiry Petrovich, the investigator, shows another face of ethics. He does not rush with proof. He questions Raskolnikov about his theory. He tells him that the truth will bring freedom. When another man falsely confesses, Raskolnikov says, 

“You must have been torturing that poor Nikolay psychologically.”

This shows how justice can be misused. But Dostoyevsky finally shows real ethics: confession, true justice, and moral change. Raskolnikov’s prison term in Siberia becomes his ethical rebirth.

So Dostoyevsky’s ethics in “Crime and Punishment” teach three things. 

  • First, crime destroys human peace. 
  • Second, compassion is higher than law. 
  • Third, justice must come with truth and repentance. 
Through Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Porfiry, Dostoyevsky shows that ethics is the path to salvation.

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Fyodor Dostoevsky
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