The Fragmented Self: An Analysis of Raskolnikov's Dualistic Nature in Crime and Punishment

In Dostoevsky's masterpiece Crime and Punishment, the character of Raskolnikov stands out as one of the most complex and enigmatic figures in all of literature. A brooding, intelligent, and deeply troubled young man, Raskolnikov embodies a range of contradictory impulses and emotions that make him both fascinating and disturbing. At the heart of Raskolnikov's character is his belief in his own superiority. He sees himself as a man of great intelligence and talent, one who is destined to make his mark on the world. This sense of superiority leads him to believe in his own right to commit murder, and it is this belief that ultimately drives the plot of the novel. Yet at the same time, Raskolnikov is also haunted by a sense of guilt and self-doubt. He cannot fully justify his actions to himself and is plagued by the fear of being caught and punished for his crime. This internal conflict leads him to a state of near-madness, and he becomes increasingly erratic and unpredictable as the novel progresses. This paper attempts to make a psychological study of the character of Raskolnikov by focusing on the element of dualism, mental anguish, alienation or monomania, morality, crime, suffering, and redemption.