Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and the exploration of public spaces as a representation of the psyche behind Raskolnikov.

Abstract

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment is a psychological novel on the journey of Raskolnikov, a poor university student who commits two murders in hopes of increasing his economic status but is left ridden with guilt and psychological torment. Set in St Petersburg, public spaces act as a mirror towards the psyche behind the main protagonist, Raskolnikov; where his ego and morals are displayed symbolically for the readers. Crime and Punishment discusses the philosophical and psychological implications that come with committing such a horrific crime and how such an egotistical man can succumb to such guilt. This article will focus on Dostoevsky’s portrayal of St Petersburg as an entity that controls the main protagonist as he battles his inner battles in order to come to terms with his crimes and ultimately turn himself in.