69 pages • 2 hours read
Fyodor DostoevskyCrime and Punishment
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1866A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of a poor, paranoid student named Raskolnikov who, believing himself to be extraordinary, commits a murder to prove his superiority and descends into a spiral of guilt and paranoia, grappling with the psychological repercussions of his actions. Sensitive topics include murder and mental illness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is lauded for its deep psychological insight and complex character development, particularly Raskolnikov’s moral dilemmas. Critics appreciate its exploration of guilt and redemption, though some find the narrative dense and the pacing slow. Overall, it remains a profound and thought-provoking masterpiece in Russian literature.
Who Should Read Crime and Punishment?
Readers who enjoy complex psychological drama, moral dilemmas, and in-depth character studies will appreciate Crime and Punishment. Fans of classic literature like Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Kafka's The Trial will find Dostoevsky's exploration of guilt and redemption compelling.