The Epilogue

Upon finishing Crime and Punishment, I thought that much of the epilogue was unnecessary and I found myself feeling that everything was being tied up nicely. The scene in which Raskolnikov finally realizes that he loves Sonya, when he collapses at her feet and weeps, is the first time that he is portrayed as being truly happy. Even though it seemed abrupt, I was glad that he had finally found peace of mind.
The descriptions of Raskolnikov’s life in prison confirm that Raskolnikov, despite having confessed, is not yet truly repentant of his crime. He is still convinced that his crime was an “error,” not a sin, and it causes him to be isolated from his fellow inmates, even as Sonya befriends them all.Raskolnikov continues to cling to a belief in the justification, even nobility, of the murder of Alyona Ivanovna.
I have noticed that the theme of religious redemption is paired with Raskolnikov's reintegration into society. The cross that Sonya gives Raskolnikov and the Bible that he begins to read in jail are symbols of his awakening religious faith. His faith is a way for him to reconnect with the people around him as it has become a channel for him to bond with Sonya.
I actually enjoyed reading Crime and Punishment. I enjoyed unraveling all the elements of the story and the contrasting personalities of the characters, and the ever-twisting plotline. Dostoevsky is a brilliant author who knows how to keep his reader's attention.
Mikaela M.