A Walk Through the World of Crime and Punishment

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After reading Crime and Punishment, I want to share what I have learned and my thoughts.

In here, I'm just gonna talk about a brief story to remind you about the novel and the main character Rodka Raskolnikov.


Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky follows Rodka Raskolnikov, a young student in 19th-century St. Petersburg who is struggling with poverty. Believing he is somehow special and above the law, Raskolnikov convinces himself that murdering an old pawnbroker is justified if it serves a greater good. However, after committing the crime, he is overwhelmed by guilt and paranoia, leading to a deep internal struggle as he questions whether he can ever find redemption or make peace with himself. A central theme in the novel is Raskolnikov’s confusion between crime and greatness. He grapples with the idea that certain 'great' individuals are entitled to commit crimes if it serves a higher purpose, and he rationalizes his actions as a way to prove his own greatness. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that true greatness isn’t about transcending moral laws or justifying evil acts, but rather about moral integrity, responsibility, and empathy. Raskolnikov’s journey ultimately shows that the line between crime and greatness is not as blurred as he believed. His misguided pursuit of greatness through crime leads to his downfall, revealing that true greatness lies in respecting human life and adhering to ethical principles.

When thinking about Raskolnikov’s emotions, especially in the context of modern society, here are a few things I’d like to share: 

  1. Isolation and Mental Health: Raskolnikov’s deep loneliness and mental struggle remind us of the importance of addressing mental health issues. In today’s world, where we’re becoming more aware of mental health, his story highlights the dangers of not seeking help and the impact of isolation.

  2. Moral Justification: His belief that committing a crime for a supposed "greater good" makes us think about how people today sometimes rationalize unethical actions. It’s a good reminder to reflect on how we justify our own decisions and the consequences of those justifications.

  3. Search for Redemption: Raskolnikov’s journey through guilt and his quest for redemption resonate with our own struggles to make amends and find personal growth. It’s a universal theme that shows how we all seek forgiveness and strive to better ourselves.

I’ve been diving into Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky, and it’s incredible how deeply it explores human emotions. Dostoevsky really gets into the nitty-gritty of what makes us tick through Raskolnikov’s intense journey. His struggle with guilt, morality, and redemption is so realistic and raw, it feels like a window into the complexity of our own emotions. It’s amazing how Crime and Punishment not only tells a gripping story from a personal perspective but also opens your eyes to observe the human experience objectively.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m honored to share some thoughts with you. I believe we all share a vast, limitless space of thoughts, each uniquely shaped by our emotions and drawing our attention in different ways. Perhaps, at our core, our subconscious minds are more alike than we realize; the real difference lies in how these thoughts emerge and take shape in each individual’s conscious mind. Thank you.


Soo Kyung Kim
The image was created by AI and designed by Soo Kyung Kim.

Location: Irvine, CA, USA

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