Written Assignment
Salvation in Suffering
Suffering embodies a natural part of life. The extent of suffering, however, depends on the set of circumstances that surround a person. Upon this point, the age-old argument of nature versus nurture may be deliberated. In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, all characters inevitably suffer. Some endure suffering induced by poverty, while others suffer through unhealthy mental states caused by their role in society. Dostoyevsky centers his characters around the socio-economical conditions of the time to impress upon the reader how the suffering of the characters leads to salvation. Their suffering aids in the development of various coping mechanisms, such as questionable ethics, religious fervor, and self-sacrifice for the sake of others. The motif of salvation can be seen through the suffering of Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Dounia. Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov suffers through his struggle of mental stability and morality, with his pride being his greatest weakness. He provides a claim about extraordinary people; they are not bound by moral law, and they are superior to others. …show more content…
This represents the first step in the schism, with the Jewish mourners in the story of Lazarus and within Raskolnikov himself in Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov finds himself conflicted and confused, but finds hope in Sonya. Despite confessing his crimes to her, Sonya still cries when she thinks of how he must have suffered and gives him her cross. The duality between the selfish and the selfless becomes clear between Raskolnikov and Sonya. Raskolnikov continuously finds excuses in order to justify his actions and embodies a selfish sinner. Sonya selflessly sacrifices herself to support her family and does not condemn Raskolnikov for his actions, reflecting the theme of
Salvation in Suffering
Suffering embodies a natural part of life. The extent of suffering, however, depends on the set of circumstances that surround a person. Upon this point, the age-old argument of nature versus nurture may be deliberated. In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, all characters inevitably suffer. Some endure suffering induced by poverty, while others suffer through unhealthy mental states caused by their role in society. Dostoyevsky centers his characters around the socio-economical conditions of the time to impress upon the reader how the suffering of the characters leads to salvation. Their suffering aids in the development of various coping mechanisms, such as questionable ethics, religious fervor, and self-sacrifice for the sake of others. The motif of salvation can be seen through the suffering of Raskolnikov, Sonia, and Dounia. Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov suffers through his struggle of mental stability and morality, with his pride being his greatest weakness. He provides a claim about extraordinary people; they are not bound by moral law, and they are superior to others. …show more content…
This represents the first step in the schism, with the Jewish mourners in the story of Lazarus and within Raskolnikov himself in Crime and Punishment. Raskolnikov finds himself conflicted and confused, but finds hope in Sonya. Despite confessing his crimes to her, Sonya still cries when she thinks of how he must have suffered and gives him her cross. The duality between the selfish and the selfless becomes clear between Raskolnikov and Sonya. Raskolnikov continuously finds excuses in order to justify his actions and embodies a selfish sinner. Sonya selflessly sacrifices herself to support her family and does not condemn Raskolnikov for his actions, reflecting the theme of