THE INTERPRETATION OF HUMAN NATURE IN CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Keywords:
Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky, human nature, Raskolnikov, morality, guilt, suffering, redemption, psychological conflict, symbolism, faith vs. reason, character analysis, existentialism, Russian literature, conscience.Abstract
This article explores the interpretation of human nature in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, focusing on the psychological, moral, and philosophical dimensions of the novel. It examines key themes such as the duality of human nature, the role of suffering in personal transformation, moral responsibility, the conflict between rationalism and faith, and the importance of human connection. A special emphasis is placed on the symbolism of major characters, supported by a table that outlines their roles and deeper meanings. Through an analysis of Raskolnikov’s inner conflict and eventual redemption, the article reveals how Dostoevsky uses fiction to investigate the complexities of the human soul and argue for the necessity of conscience, compassion, and faith in understanding human behavior.