Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

New Criticism and Formalism

Summary
Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, published in 1866, is a seminal work of
Russian literature that explores the psychological turmoil of its protagonist, Rodion
Raskolnikov, a former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg. The novel begins with
Raskolnikov contemplating a plan to murder a pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, believing
that her wealth could be used for better purposes and that he could transcend conventional
morality. He eventually carries out the murder but is tormented by guilt and paranoia.

As Raskolnikov grapples with his conscience, he encounters various characters, including

Sonia Marmeladov, a pious prostitute who becomes his confidante and moral compass, and
Porfiry Petrovich, the astute detective investigating the murders. The narrative unfolds
through a series of psychological battles and moral reckonings, culminating in
Raskolnikov's confession and ultimate acceptance of punishment in Siberia. Through his
suffering and the support of Sonia, he begins a path toward spiritual redemption.

Formalism

Analysis
Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment," published in 1866, is a seminal work
that delves into the psychological, moral, and philosophical underpinnings of crime, guilt,
and redemption. The novel is meticulously structured into six parts and an epilogue, each
advancing the psychological and moral journey of its protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov. The
story begins with Raskolnikov's dire financial straits and his contemplation of a radical
theory that posits the moral permissibility of murder for the greater good. This introductory
phase seamlessly transitions into his actual commission of the crime, setting the stage for
the exploration of his subsequent psychological turmoil.

As the plot progresses, it reflects Raskolnikov's fluctuating mental state and

deepening guilt, skillfully advancing through his interactions with other characters. The
transition from one part to the next is marked by escalating tension and complexity, both in
Raskolnikov’s internal struggles and his external circumstances. The novel culminates with
his confession and the start of his punishment, opening the possibility for his spiritual
redemption. This structure not only supports the development of the plot but also mirrors
Raskolnikov’s journey from intellectual arrogance to humility and moral awareness.

The narrative perspective is predominantly third-person omniscient, providing a

window into the minds and motivations of various characters. This point of view allows
Dostoevsky to explore the psychological depths of his characters, especially Raskolnikov,
whose inner turmoil and rationalizations are laid bare for the reader. The omniscient
narration also provides insight into characters like Sonia Marmeladov, whose compassion
and suffering stand in stark contrast to Raskolnikov’s initial cold rationality, and Porfiry
Petrovich, whose cat-and-mouse interactions with Raskolnikov provide a psychological duel
that underscores the themes of justice and moral reckoning.
The major characters, including Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Porfiry, are intricately
developed and deeply interrelated, each serving a vital role in the thematic and narrative
structure of the novel. Raskolnikov’s relationships with these characters catalyze his
psychological transformation, highlighting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the search
for meaning. Minor characters, such as Razumikhin and Svidrigailov, also play crucial
roles, offering different moral perspectives and contributing to the novel’s rich tapestry of
social and philosophical commentary.
Dostoevsky’s language is dense and reflective, employing a blend of realist and
existentialist styles that enhance the novel’s psychological and thematic depth. His use of
literary devices, including vivid imagery, irony, and paradox, serves to underscore the
central themes and deepen the reader’s engagement. For instance, the oppressive
environment of St. Petersburg is not just a backdrop but a symbol of Raskolnikov’s mental
state, while the recurring use of irony highlights the contradictions in his justifications for
murder and his subsequent guilt. Paradoxes, such as Raskolnikov’s simultaneous sense of
superiority and profound guilt, function to illustrate the complex nature of human
psychology and morality.

Culturally, "Crime and Punishment" reflects the intellectual and social debates of
19th-century Russia, particularly those related to nihilism, utilitarianism, and the justice
system. The novel’s exploration of these philosophical currents is not merely academic but
deeply personal, reflected in the struggles of its characters. This cultural context enhances
the novel’s significance, making it a profound commentary on the human condition and
societal values.
Despite its strengths, such as profound psychological insight and complex character
development, "Crime and Punishment" is not without its challenges. The dense prose and
lengthy philosophical dialogues can be daunting, potentially slowing the narrative pace,
particularly in sections heavily focused on Raskolnikov’s introspection. However, these
elements are integral to the novel’s depth and its exploration of moral and psychological
themes. From a formalist perspective, the novel’s structured coherence, thematic depth,
and the effective use of literary devices contribute to its status as a unified and compelling
narrative that continues to resonate with readers.
According to Israel Njoku, the novel's relevance today is underscored by its profound
exploration of the human psyche and moral questions. Njoku's review highlights the novel's
ability to offer a timeless commentary on the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the
search for meaning, further solidifying its enduring significance and its capacity to
challenge and engage readers across generations.
Bibliographic Citation

Dostoevsky, F. (1866). Crime and Punishment. The Russian Messenger.

APA 7th Edition Citation for Review Sources

Njoku, I. (2024). Review of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. Retrieved from

https://bookanalysis.com/fyodor-dostoevsky/crime-and-punishment/review/

New Criticism
Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov," published in 1880, is a literary
masterpiece whose structure, motifs, and symbolism contribute to its unified exploration of
themes like faith, doubt, and morality. The novel's structure, divided into four parts with
numerous sub-sections, effectively organizes the narrative and philosophical inquiries,
presenting a coherent story that reflects the tangled lives and moral struggles of the
Karamazov family.

Various elements of the novel reinforce its meaning. Words and images related to
religious faith, moral struggle, and existential questioning are consistently woven into the
text, creating a thematic unity. Characters frequently engage in profound discussions about
God, free will, and the nature of evil, which are critical to understanding the novel's deep
philosophical underpinnings. These recurring motifs underscore the central conflicts faced
by the characters, particularly the intellectual Ivan, the passionate Dmitri, and the
spiritual Alyosha.

Repetition in "The Brothers Karamazov" serves to reinforce its themes significantly.

Dostoevsky’s repeated references to Christian symbols, such as the cross and suffering,
continuously draw the reader’s attention to the moral and spiritual trials of the characters.
This repetition underscores the theme of redemption through suffering, a core tenet of the
novel, and emphasizes the spiritual journeys of its characters.

Dostoevsky's diction is carefully chosen to reveal the novel's deeper meanings. His
use of elevated, sometimes archaic language in philosophical discourses contrasts sharply
with the colloquial speech of more worldly characters. This dichotomy highlights the
tension between spiritual and earthly realms, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the
characters' inner conflicts and moral dilemmas.
 The plot of "The Brothers Karamazov" intertwines the fates of the characters with
philosophical inquiries and moral dilemmas, producing a profound narrative effect. Key plot
points, such as the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, serve as
focal events that drive the narrative and deepen the exploration of justice, guilt, and
redemption.

Dostoevsky employs various figures of speech, including metaphors, similes, and

hyperbole, to enrich the narrative. The frequent use of religious metaphors imbues the
story with symbolic depth, such as depicting Ivan's philosophical struggle through
metaphors of darkness and light, symbolizing his internal conflict between faith and
reason.

Paradox, irony, and symbolism are used to enhance the story, producing complex
and often conflicting emotions in the reader. Ivan, who seeks rational truth yet faces a
profound existential crisis, embodies a paradox that highlights the limitations of human
reason in grappling with spiritual matters. Irony is evident in Fyodor Pavlovich’s mockery
of religious values, leading to his downfall and symbolizing the destructive nature of
cynicism and immorality.

The relationship between the beginning and the end of the novel is crucial, with the
opening introducing the central conflicts and characters, and the conclusion offering
resolution and redemption, particularly for Alyosha, who emerges as a Christ-like figure.
This cyclical structure reinforces the themes of faith, redemption, and the eternal struggle
between good and evil.

The tone and mood of the novel vary, shifting from dark and tragic to hopeful and
redemptive. Dostoevsky creates these tones through detailed characterizations, dialogues,
and narrative style, ensuring the emotional and philosophical weight of the story resonates
with the reader. The interaction of these elements creates a unified whole, where each part
of the narrative reinforces and complements the others.
According to Charles Asoluka, a seasoned literary critic with a degree in Computer
Engineering and who passed the TOEFL exam, the novel's strengths lie in its profound
exploration of human nature and morality through its interplay of themes and literary
devices. Asoluka praises the novel for its complex characterizations and philosophical depth
but notes that its dense prose and extensive philosophical dialogues can be challenging for
readers, potentially slowing the narrative pace. Despite this, the novel's depth and thematic
richness make it a timeless piece that continues to challenge and inspire readers.
Bibliographic Citation
Dostoevsky, F. (1880). The Brothers Karamazov. The Russian Messenger.

APA 7th Edition Citation

Asoluka, C. (2024). Review of Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. Retrieved from
https://bookanalysis.com/fyodor-dostoevsky/the-brothers-karamazov/review/