# Crime and Punishment explained — Crime and Punishment

> Chapter companion for Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

## What happens

The novel opens with Raskolnikov, a destitute former student, leaving his squalid garret in a state of intense psychological agitation. He is tormented by a plan to murder the pawnbroker Alena Ivanovna, which he views as a test of his extraordinary nature. After a fitful sleep, he wakes irritable, contemplates visiting his friend Razumihin but rejects the idea, and finally goes to the pawnbroker's apartment on a pretext. There, he meticulously observes the layout and the presence of her half-sister Lizaveta. The chapter establishes his profound alienation, poverty, and the psychological torment driving him toward the crime.

## Themes in this chapter

### Psychological Torment

Raskolnikov's entire state is one of nervous agitation, feverishness, and internal conflict as he debates and plans the crime.

### Poverty and Desperation

His garret, his debts, his inability to pay rent, and his shabby clothes establish the crushing material conditions that form the backdrop of his actions.

## Character check-ins

### Raskolnikov

The protagonist, introduced in a state of extreme poverty, psychological distress, and intellectual arrogance as he plans the murder.

### Alena Ivanovna

The old pawnbroker, described as a 'withered, spiteful' woman, whom Raskolnikov visits and plans to kill.

### Lizaveta Ivanovna

The pawnbroker's meek and exploited half-sister, whose presence and schedule Raskolnikov notes during his visit.

## Key lines

> He was hopelessly in debt to his landlady, and was afraid of meeting her.

Raskolnikov is impoverished and avoids his creditor, highlighting his desperation and isolation.

_Establishes immediate financial and social pressure._

> The feeling of intense repulsion, which had begun to oppress and torture his heart while he was on his way to the old woman, had by now reached such a pitch...

His profound disgust and inner conflict about the planned murder are overwhelming him physically and mentally.

_Illustrates the psychological torment preceding the act._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters/crime-and-punishment
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/crime_and_punishment/chapters