Dostoyevsky’s Use of Duality in Crime and Punishment: Analyzing the Contrast Between Raskolnikov’s Theory of Crime and His Actions Throughout the Novel
Dostoyevsky’s Use of Duality in Crime and Punishment:
Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment is structured around the theme of duality, particularly through the character of Raskolnikov, who is torn between his intellectual theory of crime and his actions, which ultimately betray his moral conscience. Raskolnikov’s philosophical belief that certain “extraordinary” people have the right to commit crimes for a higher purpose is in stark contrast to the intense guilt and inner turmoil he experiences after he murders Alyona Ivanovna. This duality—the intellectual justification for crime versus the emotional consequences of it—drives the novel’s exploration of moral conflict, free will, and human nature.
At the beginning of the novel, Raskolnikov believes in the concept of the “superman,” an individual who is above conventional morality and whose actions can transcend the rules of society. He theorizes that murder can be justified if it serves a greater good, as he intends to kill Alyona, a moneylender, to redistribute her wealth for a better cause. However, this philosophical framework crumbles as soon as he commits the crime. His intellectual justifications for murder fall apart in the face of the unbearable guilt and self-recrimination he experiences afterward. The contrast between Raskolnikov’s theory and his actions creates a psychological conflict that is at the heart of the novel.
Dostoyevsky uses this duality to explore the nature of crime and punishment. Raskolnikov’s theory of crime is intellectual and detached, while his actions are visceral, emotional, and destructive. This contrast highlights the complexity of human morality, where rational justifications often fail to account for the emotional and psychological consequences of actions. The novel suggests that even those who believe themselves to be above the law are bound by the moral laws of human nature, which ultimately leads to Raskolnikov’s psychological breakdown and, ultimately, his redemption.
