Crime and Punishment

Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov seems to witness suffering almost everywhere he turns. What is the overall role of suffering in the novel? What is the root of the human need to suffer as represented in the novel? What is the relationship between suffering and redemption?

Teaching Suggestion: This could be a good opportunity to interpret the novel in the context of Dostoevsky’s biography. In thinking about the role of suffering in the novel, make sure students also think about how Dostoevsky’s own sufferings (especially his time in Siberia) as well as his religious beliefs would have shaped his novel.

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners, students with dyslexia, and those with attentional or executive function differences might find sorting through the entire text to find evidence daunting. You might help these students pinpoint the most relevant sections of text to limit the amount they need to review or allow students additional time to gather evidence. (For example, students could tackle this prompt by analyzing Raskolnikov’s confession to Sonia in Part 5, Chapter 4 or Porfiry’s conversation with Raskolnikov in Part 6, Chapter 2.)