Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky


Does a person have the right to murder if it makes life better for others around him? The victim was a cruel, miserly, bitter person. Did her death benefit society?

The victim’s death did in fact benefit many people. For example, for those who were in debt to this money-lender, the contract became null and void, and their property became free and clear. Plus, the exorbitant amount she charged in interest was negated. Usury is an ugly trade. In addition, her simple-minded sister would be free from her cruel hand. And Raskolnikov would now have the money he needed to support his sister and mother plus finish at the university. So yes, it could be argued that her death did in fact benefit society.

However, when Raskolnikov murdered the victim, he actually murdered himself. He may have physically split her skull open, but in reality he split open his own head and ripped apart his peace of mind. He rent his conscience in two and tried to repair it by binding it up in a web of lies, but this only tied himself into a twisted, broken madman. Whether or not the law or any person could discover the facts, the fact remained that the murder never left his thoughts. Sin brings guilt which brings fear. He was sick with fear and the angst he suffered drove him mad.

Raskolnikov’s frenetic state of mind spoke to the universal truth regarding conscience. The voice of inner knowing exists inside everyone. Conscience may be a still, small voice, but it is so distinct that it can’t be mistaken. It may be ignored, rationalized away, or argued out of hearing, but it is so clear and definite that it will continue to manifest itself to the spirit of man. Guilt is a crushing weight to bear. When Raskolnikov tried to override immutable law, the result was uncontrolled terror, dread, anxiety, and horror at his deed.

By reading Fyodor Dostoevsky’s, Crime and Punishment, many questions regarding principles, morals, and the value of human life surfaced to mind. It is my conviction that all human beings have intrinsic worth. God has given man reason and this divine spark is what guides our ethics, morality, government, and civilization. Without law---moral, civil, or otherwise, then the fall of man into an abyss of chaos is certain. This was displayed through Raskolnikov and the living hell he created.

Copyright L.L. Williams