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Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s "Crime and Punishment": Significance of Title

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821- 1881)’s "Crime and Punishment" is undoubtedly one of the most influential and celebrated novels of all time. Joseph Frank in his book "Dostoevsky: A Writer in His Time"  offers valuable insights into the author's worldview, political beliefs, and artistic vision which is quite handy in understanding the novel itself. The title of the novel itself is evocative and raises a lot of questions. What crime is being committed? What punishment is being meted out? In this article, we will explore the significance of the title of the novel and how it is reflected in the story.


The title "Crime and Punishment" has a deep significance that goes beyond the surface level. On the surface, "Crime and Punishment" is the story of a murder, set in the city of St. Petersburg, then the Russian capital. It is not, however, a murder mystery: we know the murderer’s identity from the very beginning. Moreover, although Dostoyevsky depicts the crime and the environment in which it takes place with great realism, he is more interested in the psychology of the murderer than in the external specifics of the crime. The novel is primarily concerned with the inner turmoil of its protagonist, Raskolnikov, who commits a double murder. However, the crime and punishment in the title do not refer only to the specific act of murder and its consequences. Rather, the title is a reflection of the broader themes that Dostoyevsky explores in the novel.

The crime that Raskolnikov commits is not just a simple act of violence. It is a symbol of the existential crisis that he is going through. Raskolnikov believes that he is a “superman” who is above the law and can commit any crime if it serves a greater good. However, he soon realizes that the burden of guilt and the fear of punishment are too great to bear. The punishment that he receives is not just a legal one but a moral and psychological one as well. On the surface, "Crime and Punishment" appears to be a part of the well-liked crime book subgenre. Raskolnikov kills someone before attempting to cover up his crime and avoid capture. In the end, he makes a confession, is taken into custody, and is imprisoned, where he starts a process of spiritual renewal. "What Will Happen Next?" that is not the prime question. In fact,  Dostoyevsky's intense and persistent study of the murderer's mentality is  major source  of the book's suspense. Dostoyevsky is intrigued by the criminal's murky motivations. The title hints at Dostoyevsky's fascination with contrasts and the dual aspect of human nature. The distinction between guilt and innocence, the significance of atonement and forgiveness, and the conflict between good and evil (including that between God and the Devil) all have played an important thematic role in the book. While Dostoyevsky also examines social and political problems in the Russia of his day, his concerns are universal.

The title of the novel also reflects the societal and cultural context in which it was written. Crime and punishment were central themes in the political and intellectual debates of 19th-century Russia. The question of how to punish criminals and reform the justice system was a hotly debated topic. Dostoyevsky, who himself had been imprisoned for political reasons, was deeply interested in these issues and used the novel to explore them.

Moreover, the title “Crime and Punishment” encapsulates the religious and philosophical ideas that Dostoyevsky grappled with throughout his career. The novel is a reflection of the Christian belief in sin, redemption, and atonement. Raskolnikov’s crime is a sin that he must atone for, and his punishment is a necessary step towards his redemption.by Malcolm Jones in his book  "Dostoevsky and the Dynamics of Religious Experience" truly examines Dostoevsky's concept of Russianness, arguing that his works are an attempt to define a distinct Russian identity that is grounded in spiritual and moral values. This book examines Dostoevsky's religious philosophy, arguing that his works are an attempt to reconcile his Christian faith with the existential dilemmas of modern life. And it is all true for his masterpiece,   “Crime and Punishment”. 

In conclusion, the title of Dostoyevsky’s "Crime and Punishment" is a reflection of the broader themes that the novel explores. It is not just a simple description of the events in the story but a symbol of the existential, societal, and philosophical issues that Dostoyevsky was grappling with. The novel is a powerful exploration of the nature of crime, punishment, guilt, and redemption, and the title encapsulates these themes perfectly.

Ardhendu De

Reference

1. Frank, J. (2009, October 19). Dostoevsky: A Writer in His Time.

2. BULLIVANT, S. (2006). [Review of DOSTOEVSKY AND THE DYNAMICS OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE, by M. Jones]. New Blackfriars, 87(1010), 448–450. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43251062

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