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Crime and Punishment


Synopsis


'One death, in exchange for thousands of lives - it's simple arithmetic!' A new translation of Dostoevsky's epic masterpiece, Crime and Punishment (1866). The impoverished student Raskolnikov decides to free himself from debt by killing an old moneylender, an act he sees as elevating himself above conventional morality. Like Napoleon he will assert his will and his crime will be justified by its elimination of 'vermin' for the sake of the greater good. But Raskolnikov is torn apart by fear, guilt, and a growing conscience under the influence of his love for Sonya. Meanwhile the police detective Porfiry is on his trail. It is a powerfully psychological novel, in which the St Petersburg setting, Dostoevsky's own circumstances, and contemporary social problems all play their part.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (author), Nicolas Pasternak Slater (translator), Sarah J. Young (writer of added text)

Summary

Chapter 1:

Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a 23-year-old former student living in poverty in St. Petersburg, conceives a plan to murder and rob an elderly pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna. He believes that her death will benefit society by removing a parasitic element and that he, as an extraordinary individual, is justified in committing the crime for the greater good.

Example: Raskolnikov rationalizes his plan by drawing parallels to historical figures like Napoleon, who he believes achieved greatness through bloodshed.

Chapter 2:

Raskolnikov visits Alyona Ivanovna's apartment to pawn a watch, gathering information about her daily routine and the location of her money. He encounters her half-sister, Lizaveta, a simple and submissive woman.

Example: The contrast between the wealthy pawnbroker and the poor student highlights the social inequality that fuels Raskolnikov's resentment.

Chapter 3:

Raskolnikov returns to his room in a state of agitation. He faces intense internal struggle, torn between his desire to carry out the plan and his fear of the consequences.

Example: Raskolnikov experiences moments of doubt and guilt, questioning the morality of his actions.

Chapter 4:

Raskolnikov makes a final decision to commit the crime. He procures an axe and a small iron crowbar for his tools.

Example: The tools symbolize Raskolnikov's determination and the violence he intends to inflict.

Chapter 5:

Raskolnikov enters Alyona Ivanovna's apartment and murders her with the axe. He also kills Lizaveta, who unexpectedly enters during the crime.

Example: The murder scene is depicted in gruesome detail, emphasizing the brutality of Raskolnikov's actions.

Chapter 6:

Raskolnikov experiences a moment of triumph but is soon overcome by guilt and paranoia. He hurriedly searches the apartment for valuables and stashes them in his room.

Example: Raskolnikov's emotional turmoil reflects the psychological toll of committing such a heinous act.

Chapter 7:

Raskolnikov meets his friend Razumikhin, who suspects his involvement in the murders. Raskolnikov's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he tries to hide his guilt.

Example: The tension between Raskolnikov and Razumikhin builds as the former struggles to conceal his secret.

Chapter 8:

Raskolnikov visits Porfiry Petrovich, the police investigator assigned to the case. Porfiry engages in a psychological game with Raskolnikov, gradually narrowing in on his guilt.

Example: Porfiry's keen observations and relentless questioning test Raskolnikov's resolve to maintain his innocence.

Chapter 9:

Raskolnikov's guilt consumes him. He confesses his crime to Sonia Marmeladova, a young prostitute who has suffered great hardships in life.

Example: Sonia's empathy and understanding provide Raskolnikov with a glimmer of hope amid his despair.

Chapter 10:

Raskolnikov is arrested and sentenced to eight years in a Siberian prison. Sonia follows him to Siberia, providing him with love and support.

Example: Sonia's unconditional love serves as a catalyst for Raskolnikov's redemption and eventual acceptance of his punishment.