Crime and Punishment

"Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a classic in literature published around 1866. It is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. When Dostoevsky wrote this book he was attempting to refute many of the modern ideas of materialism infiltrating Russia from Europe and the West at the time. Such as is man merely a product of his environment and are the laws that govern man pragmatically fabricated or does man have a soul and therefore bear a moral responsibility for his actions? Is human behavior predictable like a mathematical formula and what role does human nature play in the quest for social justice and a fairer, more egalitarian society. Dostoevsky's insights into the inherent complexion of human nature are no less than inspired.
Dostoevsky takes a penetrating look at the human psyche through the main character of the novel the young student Raskolnikov who who commits a heinous murder in order to test his theory that some gifted visionary people are above the law. In other words the law is merely ethical in nature and not necessarily moral and is created by the elite for the ordinary masses but is not necessarily applicable to the elite. Raskolnikov rationalizes and convinces himself that there is no moral question involved as he contemplates his plan and that he is himself part of that elite group that is above the law. In his mind there is no compunction about committing the murder but after the deed is done he is tormented and ridden with guilt, remorse and shame. He is therefore confused, angry and disillusioned that he has these feelings. Because of his he comes to realize that he is either not one of these extraordinary individuals or that he is missing something and begins to question the validity of his theory of human nature.
In contrast with these feelings of unease he falls in love with a prostitute, Sonia, who has a pure heart. She has given her most precious treasure, herself, in order to save her destitute family. She is selfless and virtuous despite her dire circumstances and Raskolnikov cannot understand this and is inexplicably drawn to her and indeed loves her. But just as the feelings of guilt and remorse plague him so also do the feelings of love that he has for her. For though each is seemingly in diametric opposition they are both the same in that they are emotions beyond reason and something that cannot be measured or defined in any rational way. Finally, his fear of death plagues him as well because he cannot bring himself to end his own life. It troubles him that he should care about living if indeed he has no soul. His feelings of guilt and love don't make sense and it haunts him that he may be missing something and what he believed about human existence may be incorrect. He longs for an idea to live for to give his life meaning.
The book builds to a climax in which Dostoevsky potently builds his case giving his own answers to the dilemmas posed. To some it will be validating but to others swallowed in our post modern culture it may be less than satisfying. However these issues that Raskolnikov struggles with are timeless and this is why this book is one of the great books that transcends its time because we will always wrestle with these questions.
As I read this book I was also struck over how modern it was. It seemed that all this could have been happening right now in our day and age. It also seems that every good detective or crime drama since has borrowed something from this book. ie. the cat and mouse game between detective and criminal and the blunders or unexpected variables that inevitably can spoil the perfect crime.
Personally I agree with Dostoevsky's view of human nature and it hit close to home for me. When one crosses that line into moral impurity either by breaking the law or by breaking trust with another person there is a heavy cost to pay and no one is immune to the consequences. All the rationalization in the world means nothing when you mess up your own life or the life of another because of an act of poor judgment or impropriety. Thankfully, like Dostoevsky I also believe that redemption is possible and available for those who seek it. Peace, Arnie.