Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment explores the world of human motivation and moral reasoning. The novel focuses not simply on a crime and the ensuing investigation, but on the motivation and justification of Raskolnikoff’s actions. Thus, the axe murder committed by Raskolnikoff serves as an origin for both the investigation of the crime, and more meaningfully an investigation into the human psyche.
The murder gives Crime and Punishment the window through which to view the inner struggles and contemplations of a man consumed with and later haunted by his actions. For Raskolnikoff, punishment lies more in the effects of the crime on his being, than Petrovitch’s investigation. As soon as he returns from the murder, Raskolnikoff can feel “a terrible inner turmoil” that will fuel the conflict through the rest of the novel. From this turmoil comes the behavior and actions that Petrovitch, who has a keen knowledge of psychology, will use to hone in on the guilty party. These same actions along with Raskolnikoff’s thoughts create the insight
into the human condition that makes Crime and Punishment such a timeless classic. Through this insight, Dostoevsky gives to all who wish to accept the opportunity to travel on a journey through the mind of a killer. To travel on a journey through which they will learn more about themselves as well. And this entire journey begins with the murder of an old pawnbroker by the axe of a student.
