Crime and Punishment: Resurrection Anonymous

Fyodor Dosteoevsky's Crime and Punishment is a renowned 19th-century novel that has captivated audiences for generations. Part of the appeal for this classic text comes from the densely interwoven and constantly evolving thematic motifs and symbols. Arguably one of the most crucial episodes in the novel comes when Raskolnikov and Sonya discuss the existence or absence of God and the biblical account of Lazarus' resurrection. By examining this scene in comparison to the novel's conclusion, the reader can see how Dostoevsky uses the progression of development for Roskolnikov's character and his "acquaintance with a new, hitherto completely unknown reality" (551) to echo the theme of resurrection that stems from story of Lazarus.

When looking at the character of Raskolnikov, it is hard to get a holistic and unified view of his thoughts, actions, and faith. The schism in his behavior is clearly seen through his acts of charity on one hand and his self-absorbed isolation on the other. There is no defining moment that reveals the immutable character of Raskolnikov, and thus the scene with Sonya's reading of Jesus' miraculous healing of Lazarus only hints at one state of Raskolnikov's fickle...