Crime and Punishment

What It's About

Set in the harsh streets of St. Petersburg, the novel follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished former student who believes that extraordinary individuals may be justified in committing immoral acts for a greater purpose. Convinced of his own intellectual superiority, he murders a pawnbroker — but instead of liberation, he finds himself consumed by guilt, fear, and psychological torment.

As suspicion closes in around him, Raskolnikov becomes increasingly isolated, forming tense and emotionally charged relationships with family members, friends, and the deeply compassionate Sonia Marmeladov. The novel gradually transforms from a crime story into an intense exploration of conscience, suffering, morality, and spiritual redemption.

Key Concepts

The novel explores guilt, alienation, poverty, justice, free will, morality, and redemption. Dostoevsky examines the dangers of radical individualism and intellectual arrogance, questioning whether any ideology can excuse violence or cruelty. The book is also known for its psychological depth, with much of the drama unfolding inside Raskolnikov’s conflicted mind.

About the Author

Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian novelist and philosopher whose works explored psychology, morality, faith, political ideology, and the darker aspects of human nature. After being arrested for political activities in 1849, he endured imprisonment and forced military service in Siberia — experiences that deeply shaped his writing. Today he is considered one of the most influential writers in world literature.

About This Edition

This edition uses the classic English translation by Constance Garnett, whose translations introduced many Russian literary works to English-speaking audiences in the early twentieth century.