Although Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment has an essentially social theme, it offers an interesting approach to the Christian interpretation of man. Through Raskolnikov's self-destructive experiences, the reader is brought to see the error of human individualism when taken to extremes. However, Dostoyevsky also delivers a message of hope that teaches that through humility and love, even the vilest men can be reformed. Raskolnikov finds the path to reform through Sonia, who teaches Raskolnikov the power of love to free someone from the chains of guilt. Viewed with this theme in mind, the epilogue to Crime and Punishment is a powerful and necessary addition that enhances the overall structure and theme of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay At the beginning of the novel, the reader is introduced to Raskolnikov. Evidence of Christianity can be seen in his character immediately after committing murder. After attempting to prove his theory of an “extraordinary individual,” Raskolnikov is consumed with guilt. He realizes that his theory is wrong and begins to seek relief from his troubled conscience. Dostoyevsky writes that Raskolnikov “drove away the thought” and “he only knew that, one way or another, everything had to be changed” (150). The idea that Raskolnikov must change his life to find peace of mind is clearly Christian. One of the main teachings of Christianity is that comfort is found in converting to a new pattern of behavior. As the novel progresses, Dostoyevsky shows that Raskolnikov's psychological illness will not heal on its own. Through the many unsuccessful attempts to forget his crime, the reader quickly understands that an internal change is necessary for Raskolnikov to find peace. The author provides the key to the inner change of his main character through a conversation with the drunkard Marmeladov. Although drunk, Marmeladov aptly quotes several passages from the Bible and then explains his beliefs about the Lord and Judgment Day. Marmeladov claims that the Lord will summon all drunkards at the end of His judgment and will give an explanation to the wise and intelligent, saying: "I receive them, O wise and intelligent, because none of them considered themselves as such. worthy of that” (21). From here the reader can understand Dostoyevsky's position that the humble are greater than the wise and intelligent. This idea also has a Christian basis. One can find in Christian teaching a story about Jesus Christ answering the question “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” » Christ responds by saying that “whoever… humbles himself as a little child, the same will be greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1,4). Dostoyevsky lays out the solution to Dostoyevsky's problem: he must humble himself if he is to escape the debilitating guilt he feels. The author strengthens his argument that humility is the key to letting go of feelings of guilt by describing Raskolnikov's inability to let go of his pride. Even after remembering his conversation with Marmeladov, Raskolnikov still tries to fight his guilt alone. He said to himself: "Now for the kingdom of light and reason and... freedom and power... and now we will see! Now we will be smart!" (182) As if this were not obvious enough, Dostoyevsky writes that Raskolnikov said this "arrogantly, as if addressing a dark force and challenging it.". 1999