The Role of Morality and Conscience in Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1866)

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Expanding the Roles:
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a young student who commits a crime, and the psychological turmoil he experiences as he struggles with his conscience. The novel explores deep themes of morality, guilt, and redemption. For literature students, Crime and Punishment is a rich exploration of human psychology, particularly how guilt can lead to self-destruction and, ultimately, redemption.

• Morality and Justification for Crime:
  Raskolnikov believes that his crime is justified by his supposed intellectual superiority. Students can analyze how Dostoevsky examines the internal struggle between reason and morality, questioning whether any action can be morally justified if it harms another.

• Guilt, Conscience, and Redemption:
  The novel is largely about Raskolnikov's journey from guilt to eventual redemption. Students can explore how Dostoevsky portrays guilt as an all-consuming force and how redemption is achieved through self-awareness and moral reconciliation.

What We Learn:
Crime and Punishment provides literature students with profound insights into the psychological effects of guilt, the complexities of morality, and the redemptive power of conscience. It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the moral consequences of actions.