- 01Epilogue
Crime and Punishment
by Fyodor Dostoevsky · 1866 · 5 chapters · 24/7 tutor
Guilt, morality, poverty, and redemption.
5Chapters
105Lessons
336Topics
Certificate of completion included
This course was produced by Cavua from a public-domain text.
Skills this course leaves you with.
- Analyze the central themes of guilt, morality, poverty, and redemption in the novel.
- Trace Raskolnikov’s motives and psychological breakdown across key chapters.
- Explain the significance of major characters such as Sonia, Razumihin, Luzhin, and Svidrigaïlov.
- Summarize the sequence of the murder plot and its immediate aftermath.
- Interpret how social conditions and ordinary versus extraordinary theory shape the novel’s conflict.
- Discuss the epilogue’s role in the novel’s moral and spiritual resolution.
About Crime and Punishment.
Crime and Punishment puts the murder in Part One and spends the rest of the novel on what the crime does to the man who committed it. Read it as a test of Raskolnikov's theory that some people may step over moral law, tried against his conscience, his family, Sonya and the detective Porfiry Petrovich.
Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel appeared in installments through 1866 in the Russian Messenger, a Moscow literary journal, and then as a book. It is set in St. Petersburg during a stifling July, in cramped rooms, taverns and crowded streets around the Haymarket. Its hero, Rodion Raskolnikov, is a former law student sunk in poverty who murders an old pawnbroker with an axe, and then her half-sister, who walks in on him.
Dostoevsky wrote it after hard experience. Arrested in 1849 for belonging to a radical discussion circle, he faced a mock execution and then served four years in a Siberian prison camp. The novel argues with the ideas of the 1860s, when some young radicals held that reason and calculated self-interest could replace traditional morality. His notebooks show he first drafted the story as Raskolnikov's own first-person confession before switching to the third person.
It is read today as one of the great psychological novels, a book that stays inside a mind under pressure. The Russian word for crime in the title, prestuplenie, carries the sense of stepping across a line, and that idea of crossing over runs through the whole book.
What the book is really about.
Dostoevsky argues through people, so for each theme look for who embodies it and which scene you could quote.
Questions to ask as you read.
- 1Why does Raskolnikov really commit the murder: poverty, theory, pride, or something he cannot name?
- 2Why does Dostoevsky make him kill Lizaveta as well as the pawnbroker?
- 3Does the novel refute the extraordinary-man theory with argument, or only with Raskolnikov's suffering?
- 4Why does Porfiry urge Raskolnikov to confess instead of simply arresting him?
- 5What does Sonya understand that Raskolnikov does not?
- 6Is Svidrigailov's suicide a warning, a parallel or a kind of judgment?
- 7How do Dunya and Sonya each sacrifice themselves for family, and how does the novel judge each sacrifice?
- 8What role does St. Petersburg play, both as a setting and as a pressure on the characters?
- 9Why does Raskolnikov confess, and does he repent at the moment he does?
- 10Does the epilogue complete the novel or change its meaning?
Curriculum
The full table of contents.
Every chapter, every lesson, every topic — laid out before you enroll. Click any chapter to expand it.
- Chapters
- 5
- Lessons
- 105
- Topics
- 336
- 01Dostoevsky’s early life and first success
- 02Arrest, mock execution, and Siberian punishment
- 03Later hardships, final years, and critical оценation
- 01Crime and Punishment
- 01Raskolnikov's uneasy walk through Petersburg
- 02Visit to Alyona Ivanovna's pawnshop
- 03Raskolnikov's uneasy departure from the pawnbroker
- 04Tavern respite and uneasy self-reassurance
- 05The tavern's drunken patrons
- 01Raskolnikov's uneasy return to company
- 02Marmeladov's drunken introduction and theory of beggary
- 03Marmeladov's plea for pity and family shame
- 01Marmeladov’s family misery and Katerina Ivanovna’s decline
- 02Sonia’s sacrifice and the yellow ticket
- 03Marmeladov’s reinstatement and brief household relief
- 04Marmeladov’s family hopes and relapse
- 05Marmeladov’s drunken confession and plea for pity
- 06Return to Kozel’s house
- 01Katerina Ivanovna’s desperate household
- 02Marmeladov’s drunken return and humiliation
- 03Raskolnikov’s reflections after the visit
- 01Raskolnikov's squalid room and morning mood
- 02Nastasya brings tea and soup
- 03Talk of police complaints and work
- 04Mother's letter from the province
- 01Dounia’s ordeal in the Svidrigaïlov household
- 02Luzhin’s marriage proposal
- 03Luzhin’s character and prospects
- 04Dounia’s decision to accept the engagement
- 01Pyotr Petrovitch’s Petersburg career and Raskolnikov’s prospects
- 02Raskolnikov’s reaction to his mother’s letter
- 01Raskolnikov’s outrage at Dounia’s marriage
- 02Dounia’s sacrifice and moral freedom
- 03Raskolnikov’s self-reproach and helplessness
- 01Raskolnikov’s crisis on the boulevard
- 02The drunken girl and the would-be predator
- 03Raskolnikov’s change of heart
- 01Raskolnikov’s impulse to visit Razumihin
- 02Razumihin’s character and circumstances
- 01Raskolnikov’s troubled resolve to visit Razumihin
- 02Aimless wandering through the islands
- 03The tavern, vodka, and sudden sleep
- 04Raskolnikov’s childhood dream of the beaten mare
- 05The horse's killing and Raskolnikov's nightmare
- 06Renouncing the murder plan
- 07Lizaveta's absence and the decisive opportunity
- 01Lizaveta’s work as a dealer
- 02Raskolnikov’s superstitious impressions
- 03The pawnbroker and Lizaveta described
- 04The student’s murder argument
- 01Tavern debate on justice and conscience
- 02Raskolnikov’s agitation and aftermath
- 01Final preparations and concealment devices
- 02Taking the axe and lingering uncertainties
- 01Raskolnikov's theory of crime and concealment
- 02The failed attempt to take the axe
- 03Walking to the house with the axe
- 01Approach to the old woman’s flat
- 01Raskolnikov’s arrival and deception
- 02The axe murder of Alyona Ivanovna
- 03Searching the body and hidden valuables
- 01Lizaveta's murder and frantic concealment
- 02The unfastened outer door and the first visitor
- 03The porter plan and Raskolnikov's escape
- 04Escape through the open painters' flat
- 05Return home and hide the axe
- 06Blank forgetfulness after the murder
- 01Raskolnikov's feverish awakening and concealment of the stolen items
- 01Destroying the evidence
- 02The summons from the district police-station
- 03Arrival at the police office
- 04Mistaken summons for debt recovery
- 05Raskolnikov's defiant exchange with the assistant superintendent
- 01The writ for recovery of the I O U debt
- 02Luise Ivanovna’s complaint and the assistant superintendent’s rebuke
- 03Nikodim Fomitch’s intervention and Raskolnikov’s explanation
- 04The declaration of inability to pay
- 05Raskolnikov's collapse in the police office
- 06Suspicion after the fainting spell
- 01Hiding the stolen valuables
- 02Raskolnikov’s revulsion and visit to Razumihin
- 03Raskolnikov’s refusal of Razumihin’s translation
- 04The bridge, the coin, and the break with the past
- 05The landlady’s beating and Nastasya’s explanation
- 01Raskolnikov's feverish delirium
- 02Razumihin's arrival at the lodging
- 01Messenger from Shelopaev's office
- 02Razumihin's care and the meal
- 01Razumihin nurses Raskolnikov
- 02Razumihin’s search and social round
- 03Pashenka, the IOU, and Tchebarov
- 04Delirium and Zametov
- 01Razumihin’s departure and Raskolnikov’s agitation
- 02Panic over discovery and escape
- 03Beer, drowsiness, and deep sleep
- 04Razumihin’s return and the lost morning
- 01Razumihin's clothing purchases
- 01Zossimov examines Raskolnikov
- 02The house-painter Nikolay and the murder case
- 03Nikolay's arrest and confession
- 04Razumihin's defense of Nikolay
- 01Luzhin's arrival and first impressions
- 02Raskolnikov recognizes Luzhin's engagement
- 01Luzhin’s appearance and self-presentation
- 02Discussion of lodging and Lebeziatnikov
- 03Progress, practicality, and self-interest
- 01The pawnbroker murder and social crime
- 02Raskolnikov’s outburst against Luzhin
- 03Raskolnikov left alone in bed
- 01Leaving the room and sudden resolve
- 02Walk toward the Hay Market
- 03Street singers and market crowds
- 01Raskolnikov searches the newspapers
- 02Conversation with Zametov at the restaurant
- 01Raskolnikov taunts Zametov over the murder
- 02Raskolnikov's confrontation with Razumihin
- 03Razumihin urges Raskolnikov to attend the house-warming
- 04Raskolnikov refuses and Razumihin presses the invitation
- 01Raskolnikov at X—— Bridge
- 02The old flat revisited
- 01Raskolnikov expelled into the street
- 02The carriage accident and Marmeladov's injury
- 01Marmeladov carried to Kozel’s house
- 02Katerina Ivanovna’s household and the accident
- 03Crowd, landlady, and the dying man
- 04Marmeladov’s last moments and confession
- 05Katerina Ivanovna’s prayer and the children
- 06Sonia arrives at the deathbed
- 01Katerina Ivanovna's anger at the priest
- 02Marmeladov's final moments and Sonia's arrival
- 01Marmeladov’s final moments and death
- 02Raskolnikov’s farewell and departure
- 01Polenka’s visit and prayer
- 02Raskolnikov’s resolve on the bridge
- 03Visit to Razumihin’s gathering
- 04Talk of suspicion and illness
- 05Mother and sister arrive
- 01Part III
- 01Raskolnikov rejects Luzhin's marriage
- 02Razumihin escorts the women home
- 03Razumihin's drunken philosophy of error
- 04Razumihin’s drunken praise of Dounia and her mother
- 05Descriptions of Dounia and Pulcheria Alexandrovna
- 06Razumihin brings Zossimov’s medical report
- 07Proposal to keep visiting her
- 01Razumihin’s remorse and self-reproach
- 02Zossimov’s morning visit and Raskolnikov’s condition
- 03Razumihin meets Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dounia
- 04Raskolnikov’s feelings and the failed marriage to the landlady’s daughter
- 05Luzhin’s letter and the family’s dilemma
- 06Arrival at Raskolnikov’s lodgings
- 01Raskolnikov’s apparent recovery and strained reunion
- 02Marfa Petrovna’s death and Svidrigaïlov’s role
- 03Pulcheria Alexandrovna’s account of Katerina Ivanovna’s collapse
- 04Raskolnikov’s agitation and family reunion
- 05Dounia’s defense of her marriage to Luzhin
- 06Raskolnikov’s reading of Luzhin’s letter
- 07Dounia's decision and the evening interview
- 01Sonia Marmeladov’s visit and Katerina Ivanovna’s invitation
- 02Raskolnikov’s family leaves and worries about Sonia
- 03Raskolnikov asks Razumihin about Porfiry Petrovitch
- 04Sonia's departure and the stranger's pursuit
- 05Razumihin's explanation of Porfiry Petrovitch
- 06Raskolnikov's teasing of Razumihin before the interview
- 01Raskolnikov and Razumihin arrive at Porfiry's room
- 02Pledge inquiry and Porfiry's suspicions
- 03Raskolnikov's mounting suspicion and inner turmoil
- 01Crime as a protest against social abnormality
- 02Environment, human nature, and the phalanstery argument
- 03Porfiry’s teasing and Raskolnikov’s article
- 01Ordinary and extraordinary men
- 01The division of mankind into ordinary and extraordinary
- 02Crime, conscience, and the right to overstep
- 03Porfiry’s polite interrogation about the painters
- 01Razumihin and Raskolnikov debate Porfiry's suspicions
- 02The cross-examination trap and the workmen question
- 01Raskolnikov’s panic at home
- 02The stranger’s accusation
- 03Collapse and feverish reverie
- 01Raskolnikov’s feverish self-accusation
- 02The murder dream and awakening
- 03Svidrigaïlov’s arrival
- 01Svidrigaïlov’s visit and motives
- 02Marriage, debt, and country life
- 03Marfa Petrovna’s ghostly visits
- 04Marfa Petrovna’s visit and Svidrigaïlov’s ghost story
- 01Svidrigaïlov’s proposal to break off Luzhin’s engagement
- 02Talk of a mysterious journey and marriage
- 03Marfa Petrovna’s bequest to Dunya
- 01Svidrigaïlov’s visit and Raskolnikov’s fear
- 02Luzhin’s accusations against Svidrigaïlov
- 03Raskolnikov reports Svidrigaïlov’s proposal
- 04Dounia’s ultimatum to Luzhin
- 05Luzhin’s accusations against Raskolnikov
- 06The engagement breaks down
- 01Luzhin’s wounded vanity and broken marriage scheme
- 02Svidrigaïlov’s strange offer and the family’s reaction
- 03Razumihin’s publishing venture and housing plan
- 04Raskolnikov’s farewell to his family
- 05Razumihin’s reassurance and support
- 01Raskolnikov's visit to Sonia's room
- 02Sonia's account of Katerina Ivanovna and the children
- 03Raskolnikov’s cruel challenge to Sonia’s faith
- 04Sonia’s suffering and Raskolnikov’s reflections on her fate
- 05Sonia’s dependence on God
- 01Sonia’s New Testament and the Lazarus passage
- 01The raising of Lazarus
- 02Raskolnikov’s farewell to Sonia
- 03Svidrigaïlov overhears the conversation
- 01Raskolnikov’s anxious wait in the department
- 02Porfiry Petrovitch’s guarded interview
- 01Porfiry’s mockery of cross-examination tactics
- 02Porfiry’s theory of legal form and investigation
- 01Psychological pressure and the trap of suspicion
- 02The special case and temperament
- 01Raskolnikov accuses Porfiry of persecution
- 02Porfiry’s psychological trap and the bell-ringing evidence
- 03Demand for a clear answer and renewed fury
- 01Nikolay’s confession before Porfiry
- 02Porfiry’s parting exchange with Raskolnikov
- 03Raskolnikov’s reflections after the confession
- 04The visitor from underground and his apology
- 05The porter’s confession and apology
- 06Raskolnikov’s renewed confidence
- 01Part V
- 01Pyotr Petrovitch's wounded vanity and morning humiliation
- 02Regret over not spending on gifts and trousseau
- 01Funeral dinner preparations at Katerina Ivanovna’s
- 02Pyotr Petrovitch’s fear of being exposed
- 01Andrey Semyonovitch Lebeziatnikov's character and pretensions
- 02Pyotr Petrovitch's growing contempt and the money scene
- 01Luzhin’s mockery of the memorial dinner
- 02Lebeziatnikov’s theories of protest and women’s freedom
- 01Luzhin's charitable offer to Sonia
- 02Lebeziatnikov on private charity and free marriage
- 01Katerina Ivanovna’s memorial dinner preparations
- 02The guests’ arrival and Katerina Ivanovna’s indignation
- 03Raskolnikov and Sonia at the dinner table
- 04Katerina Ivanovna’s dinner-table defiance
- 05Plans for a boarding-school in T
- 06Quarrel with Amalia Ivanovna and Luzhin’s arrival
- 01Luzhin accuses Sonia of theft
- 02Katerina Ivanovna’s furious defense of Sonia
- 03Luzhin's accusation against Sonia
- 04Lebeziatnikov exposes the planted banknote
- 05Raskolnikov explains Luzhin's motive
- 01Raskolnikov’s explanation of Luzhin’s motive
- 02Luzhin’s failed defense and retreat
- 03Katerina Ivanovna’s eviction and appeal for justice
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01How many chapters are in the Crime and Punishment course?
The Crime and Punishment course has 5 chapters, each with its own lessons and topics.
02How many lessons are in the Crime and Punishment course?
There are 105 lessons across the course, and you can ask your 24/7 tutor about any of them.
03Can I see what the Crime and Punishment course covers before I start?
Yes. The full curriculum is listed on this page, beginning with "EPILOGUE".
04Do I get a certificate for the Crime and Punishment course?
Yes. Finishing the course earns a personal Cavua certificate of completion.
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