Crime and Punishment

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Student Question

What is the significance of the main character's sleeping patterns in "Crime and Punishment"?

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In "Crime and Punishment," Raskolnikov's sleeping patterns highlight the theme of guilt and its effects on the human conscience. His insomnia and illness reflect the physical and mental turmoil caused by his guilt. Sleep serves as a temporary escape from his overwhelming anguish, illustrating how deeply his conscience is affected by his actions.

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Sleep is an important device in "Crime and Punishment" by Dostoyevsky. The most important theme in the novel is guilt, and how it effects the human conscience. Raskolnikov's lack of sleep is one way for Dostoyevsky to show the impact of guilt. Raskolnikov becomes physically ill because of his guilt. Sleep becomes a way to escape the consciousness of Rodya's physical and mental anguish.

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