Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished former law student in Saint Petersburg who plans to murder an unscrupulous pawnbroker. He convinces himself that certain crimes are justifiable if committed by "extraordinary" men pursuing higher goals. Once the deed is done, however, he is consumed by confusion, paranoia, and guilt as his theoretical justifications crumble and he faces the internal and external consequences of his actions.
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Classic books, ethical, political, Gothic, Dark, murder mystery, moral consideration, rodion, classic literature, Russian literature, Fyodor Dostoevsky, psychological fiction, Rodion Raskolnikov, guilt and redemption, philosophical novel, moral dilemma, St Petersburg, 19th century literature, crime fiction, psychological thriller, existentialism, morality, sin and atonement, Christian themes, alienation, poverty, human psychology, utilitarianism, law and justice, literary masterpiece, world literature, Western canon, classic fiction, extraordinary man theory, Porfiry Petrovich, Sonya Marmeladova, psychological depth, dark literature