Crime and Punishment: Summary

Crime and Punishment is a novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. It follows the story of Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished student who commits a murder in order to prove his own moral superiority. The novel's main themes are guilt, redemption, morality, and justice. It also examines the psychological effects of crime and explores the concept of free will versus determinism. Additionally, it probes into questions about the meaning of life, suffering, and religion.

1. What is the role of poverty in Crime and Punishment?
2. How does Raskolnikov's moral character develop throughout the story?
3. What other characters in Crime and Punishment have a major impact on Raskolnikov’s journey?
4. How does the novel explore justice and retribution?
5. Is there anything to admire in Raskolnikov’s motives or actions?
6. How did you respond to Sonya's message of Christian redemption?
7. How effective is Dostoevsky’s use of symbolism in the novel?
8. To what extent do you think Crime and Punishment reflects the social conditions of Russia in the 19th century?
9. Was Raskolnikov justified in believing that his crime was necessary for his own personal growth?
10. What do you think is the most important lesson we can learn from Crime and Punishment?

• Crime and Punishment is a powerful story that reveals the complexity of morality and justice.
• The character of Raskolnikov is an interesting study in psychological motivations and moral dilemma.
• The novel contains multiple layers of symbolism which invite further exploration and reflection.
• The narrative structure of Crime and Punishment is both intricate and captivating, drawing the reader in from start to finish.
• Crime and Punishment examines the relationship between guilt and redemption in an engaging way.
• The setting of Crime and Punishment serves as an important backdrop for exploring the themes of crime and punishment.
• Dostoevsky’s use of irony in Crime and Punishment provides insight into the characters’ motivations and actions.
• Crime and Punishment paints a vivid portrait of life in 19th century Russia, providing readers with a unique perspective on the human condition.
• Crime and Punishment is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today due to its relevant themes and universal messages.
• Dostoevsky's writing style is both intense and thought-provoking, making for a truly compelling read.

1. "Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart."
2. "The darker the night, the brighter the stars, the deeper the grief, the closer is God!"
3. "If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself."
4. "Nothing in this world is harder than speaking the truth, nothing easier than flattery."
5. "To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s."

TV: -A&E Network's Crime & Punishment (2002) -Crime & Punishment (2015) -Crime and Punishment (2017) Film: -Crime and Punishment in Suburbia (2000) -Crime and Punishment (2002) -Raskolnikov (2007) -Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment (2007) -Crime and Punishment (2013) -The Double (2013) -Siberian Education (2013) Radio: -Crime and Punishment, BBC Radio 4 adaptation (2020) Podcast: -Literary Roadhouse Podcast - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (2018) Theatrical: -Crime & Punishment, a play by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus adapted from the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It premiered at the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago in May of 2010.

• The Idiot
• The Brothers Karamazov
• The Gambler
• Notes from Underground
• Demons
• The Adolescent
• The Possessed
• Poor Folk
• The House of the Dead