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Comparing Crime And Punishment And The Brothers Karamazov

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Throughout history humans have committed atrocious acts, some of which are unspeakable. However no matter the severity of the act, we are all capable of feeling guilt. Whether it be the genocide of an entire city, or simply eating the last cookie in the jar. The fear of being discovered torments the mind, in a way the anticipation is more dreadful than the impending punishment. However one can find the power to redeem themselves through someone or something, cleansing their sins. “Crime and Punishment” as well as “The Brothers Karamazov” both show how guilt can bring oneself to the breaking point. Dostoevsky shows that one cannot find redemption alone, its something that has to be tackled together with an outside force. In both novels the main characters experience guilt, and their acknowledgment of it leads them to redemption. Raskolnikov sees himself as …show more content…

Dmitri is a womanizer who lusts after numerous girls and breaks their hearts. Despite their sins being far cries from each other in terms of severity, they both ultimately find redemption through someone or something else. The different ways they go about experiencing guilt and finding redemption play into each of their unique characters.
Raskolnikov is a self-proclaimed narcissist who believes he is superior to everyone he comes in contact with. As a result he pushes away people that care about him in order to pursue his personal agenda. It is clear he has adopted the extraordinary man theory. Thinking he is “extraordinary” compared to the average person he commits two murders. The second murder was in consequence to his first in an attempt to cover up evidence. Throughout “Crime and Punishment” he tends to justify his crime by giving rational reasons as to why he committed it. Raskolnikov

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