Crime and Punishment Summary

Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" is a psychological exploration of guilt, morality, and redemption. The novel follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg. Believing himself to be a superior individual, Raskolnikov murders an old pawnbroker, rationalizing that he is ridding society of a worthless person and that the end justifies the means. However, the murder plunges him into a psychological torment, exacerbated by his interactions with the police, his family, and Sonia, a compassionate young woman forced into prostitution. As the investigation, led by the perceptive Porfiry Petrovich, closes in on him, Raskolnikov's mental state deteriorates. His guilt and inner turmoil lead him to confess to Sonia, who urges him to seek redemption through suffering. Ultimately, Raskolnikov confesses to the authorities and is sentenced to Siberia. In prison, he begins to find spiritual awakening and redemption through Sonia's unwavering support. "Crime and Punishment" delves deeply into the moral struggles of its protagonist, offering a profound commentary on justice, conscience, and the possibility of redemption.