| |
In Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and
Punishment, Raskolnikov is faced with the dilemma
of confessing to two savage murders in defiance
to his theory of a "superman", a man
whose superior intellect and eventual goal are
reason enough to use any measure needed in the
accomplishment of that goal. Determined to prove
himself superior, Raskolnikov attempts to refrain
from doing his immoral obligation of confessing
to the crime. This inner struggle is further
pronounced by the anxiety felt by Raskolnikov,
and the psychological pain he experiences affirms
the novel's theme of redemption though suffering.
In Crime and Punishment, the inner conflict is
introduced when Raskolnikov murders a decrepit
pawnbroker and her daughter. Raskolnikov, who
rationalized since the world disliked the
pawnbroker her death would be a blessing, makes
several errors in killing the woman. These
errors, which included half closing the door to
the victim's room, nearly getting caught twice,
and shoddy concealment of his tracks, are in
strict contrast to Raskolnikov's grand idea of
himself being a superman, Raskolnikov felt that
the police were incompetent and the only reason
criminals got caught was because they were
stupid, having regressed mentally during their
actions. Raskolnikov, with his purported superior
intellect, should therefore have no trouble
eluding the police. Therefore, Raskolnikov felt
torn between his guilty conscious and his
determination to prove himself superior to other
men.
The struggle within Raskolnikov resulted in
severe inner turmoil. Owning only one pair of
socks, Raskolnikov was mortified by the sight of
the blood on them. Raskolnikov became delusional,
imagining the beating of his landlady. His
anxiety and fear became so great that he went
into seclusion for a period of four days. This
reaction of "laying low" was countered
by an emotional visit to the police station on an
unrelated matter. Raskolnikov becomes weary of
everyone, and longs to tell of his deeds,
repeatedly starting to say something, but never
quite able to finish. Spiraling towards insanity,
Raskolnikov must also deal with the guilt of
having his mother and sister know of his
dastardly actions. The relief Raskolnikov feels
is evident in the books tone after he confesses.
He is much more relaxed and appreciative of what
he has. This change shows Raskolnikov was
experiencing great strife.
Raskolnikov suffered immensely, as described
above. In his mind he relived his actions over
and over again. The aforementioned change in the
book's tone reflects Raskolnikov's redemption
through the suffering. Cast away to Siberia for
eight years, he maintains a high optimism for the
good and clothing his given. Having long
contemplated whether or not to turn himself in,
the relief he felt when finally doing so was
great. Symbolically, when Raskolnikov takes up
religion while in exile, he becomes Christ in
that through his suffering, redemption was
achieved; not for the world, but for himself.
Raskolnikov's redemption and salvation through
Christ are clearly evident in the novel.
Raskolnikov acknowledged his mortal status (he
was not a superman) and was able to come to grips
with the evils he had done. The crime, his
punishment, and all the anguish in between,
surely show how through suffering, personal
salvation can occur.
|
|
