Short Summary: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a profound psychological and philosophical exploration of guilt, morality, suffering, and redemption. Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, the novel follows Rodion Raskolnikov , a destitute former student who devises a plan to murder Alyona Ivanovna , a corrupt pawnbroker, in order to steal her wealth. He believes that such an act is justified by his greater intellectual and moral purpose. However, after committing the crime, Raskolnikov is overwhelmed with guilt and paranoia, leading him to unravel mentally and emotionally. As the investigation into the murders progresses, he is forced to confront his beliefs about morality, superiority , and punishment . Through his interactions with characters like Sonia Marmeladov , a compassionate and self-sacrificing woman, and Porfiry Petrovich , the perceptive detective, Raskolnikov’s journey towards redemption and spiritual awakening unfolds. Dostoevsky’s work delves deeply into the ...