Analyse with suitable examples Dostoevsky’s use of
symbolism in Crime and Punishment.
Dostoevsky makes skillful use of powerful symbols in his
novel. These are subtly woven into the texture of the narrative to give it a
finely wrought artistic unity. Some of the recurrent symbols are closely
related to the thoughts and feelings of Raskolnikov. These serve to highlight
some significant aspect of his character or underscore other thematic concerns.
One of the most striking symbols in Crime and
Punishment is that of blood. In the scene of the double murder, it
represents the violence and cruelty of Raskolnikov's deed, as well as the
evidence of his guilt. He kills Alena Ivanovna with the blunt side of the axe,
while Lizaveta is struck with the sharp blade. In either case, a good deal of
blood and gore is displayed in this scene. Raskolnikov begins to clean the
blood from the axe, his person, and his clothes soon after the deed. However,
some of the blood cannot be wiped away, at least not from his memory. His socks
are soaked in blood, and he continues to wear them even later. His horror of
the blood of his victims clings to him and is the first symbol of his
punishment, or guilt.
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