Connection Between Crime And Punishment

An analysis of Crime and Punishment written in mid-19th century Russia by Fyodor Dostoyevsky reveals a parallel between the story and the historical period in the which the book written. The setting, plot, and characters reflect back upon the period of major reformation happening in Russia by using accurate situations and ideas from that era. 1855 is a major point in Russia’s long history. After the death of his father, Alexander II became the next tsar. He introduced new reforms which changed the structure of Russia. [Insert more shit here] Crime and Punishment predominantly takes place in the capital city of Russia, St. Petersburg. In the book, St. Petersburg is described as a dirty and grimy place to live: “The heat in the street

One of which was the judicial reforms of 1964 that changed the Russian judicial system into one that was “independent, modern, and westernized system as liberal as that of any nation.” (Conlon 7). Through Raskolnikov, Dostoevsky is criticizing the new judicial system. Martinsen and Maiorova argue that Dostoevsky is asking the question “How were Russians from all walks of life to preserve their moral bearings and spiritual roots in a world in flux hurtling towards modernity?” (3). This question is showing that Dostoevsky believes that traditions are hard to uphold in a world that is industrializing and westernizing. These traditions are ones morals and conscience. In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is getting punished mentally and physically for his crimes against the pawnbroker and her sister throughout the whole of the book. However, judicial intervention isn’t effective. Porfiry has enough “evidence” to convict Raskolnikov of the two murders, yet he doesn’t. Instead, Raskolnikov confesses to the crime at the end of the book only due to the fact that Sonia urged him to. Without Sonia, Raskolnikov would have never confessed. Without Sonia, Raskolnikov would have never recovered from his problems. Without Sonia, Raskolnikov would not have been the person he is at the end of the book. Without a doubt, Sonia was an important influence on Raskolnikov, even though she is a prostitute. As a prostitute, she sacrificed herself to help support her family. That is an act of strength. In 1860 West Europe and Russia, a feminist movement arises. Reflected upon in Dostoevsky’s work are female characters being practical and standing up for themselves. Raskolnikov’s sister, Dounia, sacrifices herself for her brother and decides to marry Luzhin: “Marriage was crucial to most women’s lives…peasants had high marriage rates” (Hutton 13). There is documentation in this time frame that peasants