At first glance, Crime and Punishment appears to be a classic crime novel. The story follows a young man named Raskolnikov who commits murder and tries to conceal his guilt and evade capture. Ultimately, he confesses, is apprehended, and is sent to prison, where he embarks on a path toward spiritual redemption. The novel's suspense arises not only from wondering "what will happen next?" but also from Dostoyevsky's in-depth and unyielding examination of the murderer's psyche.

Dostoyevsky is more interested in exploring profound philosophical questions than in detailing the police procedures involved in catching a criminal. He is also fascinated by the ambiguous motives of the criminal. The title highlights Dostoyevsky's emphasis on contrasts and the duality of human nature. Themes such as guilt and innocence, redemption and forgiveness, and the struggle between good and evil (as well as God and the Devil) are central to the narrative. While Dostoyevsky touches on the social and political issues of his time in Russia, his themes resonate universally.