Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

• Genre: Fiction; psychological fiction; crime
• Originally Published: 1866 (in serialized form)
• Reading Level/Interest: Adult
• Structure/Length: Novel divided into six parts; approximately 671 pages; approximately 25 hours and 5 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Crime and Punishment is a classic Russian novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The central conflict revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute student living in St. Petersburg. Raskolnikov becomes consumed by the radical idea that he is an extraordinary individual who has the right to commit a morally justifiable murder. He proceeds to carry out a heinous crime, murdering an elderly pawnbroker. The novel explores the psychological and moral consequences of Raskolnikov’s actions as he grapples with guilt, paranoia, and the pursuit of redemption. Dostoevsky’s storytelling is known for its deep psychological insights and philosophical explorations.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Murder; guilt; psychological distress; moral dilemmas

Fyodor Dostoevsky, Author

• Bio: Russian novelist and philosopher known for his significant contributions to world literature, including Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and The Idiot; celebrated for his exploration of human psychology and the complexities of morality
• Other Works: Notes from Underground (1864); The Idiot (1869); The Brothers Karamazov (1880)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Alienation and Shame
• Criminality
• The Need to Suffer

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will: