Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky's life was dark and dramatic as his novels were. ... This mystery is what Crime and Punishment is about. ... "In Crime and Punishment Raskolnikov constructed his whole theory of the extraordinary man for one purpose only, to justify in his own eyes a quick and easy way for profit. ... "The thought of criminal punishment hangs like Damocle's sword over Raskolnikov's head" (Pisarev 158). The only thing that keeps him from confessing is the punishment that he would receive. ...

• Word Count: 1077
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School