From Guilt to Grace: The Struggle for Salvation in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment explores the psychological and moral turmoil of its protagonist, Rodion Raskolnikov, in his struggle with crime, conscience, and salvation. This paper examines the novel’s treatment of these themes, demonstrating how Dostoevsky portrays crime as more than a legal transgression but as a moral and spiritual crisis. Through Raskolnikov’s descent into guilt and eventual redemption, the novel asserts the necessity of suffering and faith for salvation. Dostoevsky intertwines psychological realism with philosophical inquiry, making Crime and Punishment not only a compelling narrative but also an exploration of existential dilemmas. By analysing textual evidence and scholarly interpretations, this paper underscores Dostoevsky’s profound meditation on human nature and morality, reflecting his engagement with existentialist and religious philosophies. The study also explores the influences of utilitarianism, nihilism, and Christian doctrine in shaping the novel’s moral landscape, demonstrating how Dostoevsky critiques these ideologies through Raskolnikov’s psychological journey.