Crime and Punishment
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky's great novel of a murder and what follows it. The longest book in the plan, saved for last because by then you will have the habit. Constance Garnett's classic translation.
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On an exceptionally hot evening early in July a young man came out of the garret in which he lodged in S. Place and walked slowly, as though in hesitation, towards K. bridge.Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and PunishmentRead 11 hand-picked quotes from Crime and Punishment, with meaning →3 Crime and Punishment memes, decoded →
Crime and Punishment: study guide
Everything you need to follow Crime and Punishment: what happens, who it happens to, what it means, and the words worth learning along the way. The links at the top of the page jump straight to any part of it.
Crime and Punishment summary
Crime and Punishment explores the psychological turmoil of Raskolnikov, a former student, who murders a pawnbroker and her sister. Throughout the novel, he struggles with guilt and seeks redemption.
Setting: The novel is set in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the 1860s.
Show the full summary↓
Contains spoilers, including the ending.
In St. Petersburg, Russia, during a hot July, Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute former student, plans and commits the murder of an old pawnbroker, Alyona Ivanovna, and her sister, Lizaveta. He believes he can use the stolen money to perform good deeds, but instead, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia.
Raskolnikov becomes increasingly isolated and erratic, as he struggles with the moral implications of his crime. He meets Sonia, a compassionate young woman forced into prostitution to support her family, who becomes his confidante and moral compass.
As the investigation into the murders continues, Raskolnikov's mental state deteriorates. He is torn between confessing and maintaining his freedom, haunted by his conscience and the relentless detective, Porfiry Petrovich.
Raskolnikov eventually confesses to Sonia, who urges him to seek redemption by admitting his guilt. He turns himself in to the authorities, influenced by Sonia's unwavering support and love.
In prison, Raskolnikov initially remains unrepentant, but Sonia's visits and devotion gradually lead him to embrace the possibility of redemption. He begins to understand the value of human connection and moral responsibility.
The novel concludes with Raskolnikov's spiritual awakening, suggesting that he may find redemption and a new purpose in life through love and repentance.
Crime and Punishment characters
The main characters of Crime and Punishment, who they are and what they do in the story.
Rodion Raskolnikov
protagonistA former student living in poverty, Raskolnikov commits a murder and struggles with guilt and redemption throughout the novel. He is intelligent but conflicted and isolated.
Sonia Marmeladov
supportingA young woman forced into prostitution to support her family, Sonia becomes Raskolnikov's confidante and moral guide. Her compassion and faith influence Raskolnikov's path to redemption.
Porfiry Petrovich
antagonistA shrewd and persistent detective investigating the murders, Porfiry uses psychological tactics to pressure Raskolnikov into confessing. He represents the law and justice.
Alyona Ivanovna
supportingAn old pawnbroker whom Raskolnikov murders. Her death is central to the plot and Raskolnikov's internal conflict.
Lizaveta Ivanovna
supportingAlyona's half-sister who is also murdered by Raskolnikov. Her death intensifies Raskolnikov's guilt.
Dmitri Razumikhin
supportingRaskolnikov's loyal friend, Razumikhin is kind and practical. He supports Raskolnikov's family and provides a contrast to Raskolnikov's alienation.
Katerina Ivanovna Marmeladov
supportingSonia's stepmother, a proud woman struggling with poverty and illness. Her tragic life highlights the harsh realities faced by the poor.
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
antagonistA morally ambiguous character with a dark past, Svidrigailov is infatuated with Raskolnikov's sister, Dunya. He represents Raskolnikov's potential future if he continues down a path of moral decay.
Dunya Raskolnikova
supportingRaskolnikov's strong-willed sister, Dunya is devoted to her brother and seeks to help him despite his actions. She faces her own moral dilemmas.
Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikova
supportingRaskolnikov's loving mother, Pulcheria is deeply concerned for her son's well-being and is unaware of his crime.
Themes in Crime and Punishment
The major themes of Crime and Punishment and what each one means in the story.
Guilt and Redemption
The novel explores the psychological effects of guilt and the possibility of redemption. Raskolnikov's journey from crime to confession highlights the struggle between his conscience and desire for redemption.
Isolation vs. Connection
Raskolnikov's isolation after the murder contrasts with the connections he forms with Sonia and others, illustrating the importance of human relationships in overcoming personal turmoil.
Moral Ambiguity
Dostoevsky examines the complexity of morality, questioning whether ends justify means and portraying characters with both virtuous and corrupt traits.
Poverty and Desperation
The novel depicts the harsh realities of poverty and its impact on individuals' choices and actions, as seen in Raskolnikov's motivations and Sonia's sacrifices.
The Role of Suffering
Suffering is portrayed as a path to self-discovery and redemption, with characters like Sonia and Raskolnikov finding meaning through their struggles.
The Nature of Crime
Crime and Punishment delves into the psychological and societal aspects of crime, exploring its causes, consequences, and the possibility of atonement.
Crime and Punishment vocabulary
24 useful words from Crime and Punishment, from easier to harder. Each has a simple meaning and an example sentence, so you learn words you can actually use, not just recognise. While you read here, tapping any word does the same thing.
- eveningnoun
The time of day between afternoon and night.
“We went for a walk in the evening.”
- youngadjective
Having lived or existed for only a short time.
“The young girl was eager to learn.”
- mannoun
An adult male human.
“The man opened the door for her.”
- walkverb
To move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn.
“I walk to school every day.”
- slowlyadverb
At a slow speed; not quickly.
“She walked slowly to enjoy the view.”
- afraidadjective
Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened.
“He was afraid of the dark.”
- meetingnoun
An assembly of people for a particular purpose, especially for formal discussion.
“The meeting lasted for two hours.”
- kitchennoun
A room or area where food is prepared and cooked.
“She cooked dinner in the kitchen.”
- feelingnoun
An emotional state or reaction.
“He had a feeling of happiness.”
- debtnoun
Something, typically money, that is owed or due.
“He is in debt to the bank.”
- povertynoun
The state of being extremely poor.
“Many families live in poverty.”
- desirenoun
A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
“She had a desire to travel the world.”
- terrornoun
Extreme fear.
“The movie filled him with terror.”
- trivialadjective
Of little value or importance.
“The argument was about a trivial matter.”
- fantasynoun
The faculty or activity of imagining things, especially things that are impossible or improbable.
“Her fantasy was to live in a castle.”
- bustlenoun
Excited activity and movement.
“The city was full of bustle.”
- mutterverb
To speak in a low or barely audible voice, especially in dissatisfaction or irritation.
“He muttered something under his breath.”
- observeverb
To notice or perceive something and register it as being significant.
“She observed the changes in the weather.”
- trembleverb
To shake involuntarily, typically as a result of anxiety, excitement, or frailty.
“He began to tremble with fear.”
- confusionnoun
A lack of understanding; uncertainty.
“There was confusion about the meeting time.”
- loathsomeadjective
Causing hatred or disgust; repulsive.
“The loathsome smell made him gag.”
- despairnoun
The complete loss or absence of hope.
“She was in despair after losing her job.”
- agitationnoun
A state of anxiety or nervous excitement.
“His agitation was evident when he spoke.”
- giddyadjective
Having a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall or stagger; dizzy.
“She felt giddy after spinning around.”
How readClassicly reads Crime and Punishment
Crime and Punishment is book 12 of 12 in our free year-long classics reading plan. At our daily pace of 8 pages, the book takes around 10 weeks to finish.
You log pages as you go in a private dashboard. When you finish, a short quiz unlocks the next book in the sequence. No deadlines, no summaries pretending to be reading.
Don't want to follow the order? You don't have to. Members can start with any of the twelve books, and the plan just nudges you back to the recommended path if you fall behind.
Why we picked it
Dostoevsky's most read novel. Saved for last because by then you will have the habit and the appetite for it.
Suitable for 16+. Level C1, which means readers comfortable with upper-intermediate English will follow it without a dictionary; lower-intermediate readers can read with light support.
Crime and Punishment: reading level & FAQ
What reading level is Crime and Punishment?↓
Crime and Punishment is rated C1 on the CEFR scale and is suitable for ages 16+. It is a good fit for readers building toward or reading comfortably at that level.
Can I read Crime and Punishment online for free?↓
Yes. Crime and Punishment is in the public domain and free to read online at readClassicly, with a reading tracker and a short quiz. No account is needed to read it.
What is Crime and Punishment about?↓
Crime and Punishment explores the psychological turmoil of Raskolnikov, a former student, who murders a pawnbroker and her sister. Throughout the novel, he struggles with guilt and seeks redemption.
How does Crime and Punishment end?↓
The novel concludes with Raskolnikov's spiritual awakening, suggesting that he may find redemption and a new purpose in life through love and repentance.
Wondering how long it takes? Crime and Punishment is 196,845 words, about 13 hours, broken down by reading speed and by how many minutes a day you give it.
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