The Conflict between Good and Evil in Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment

The perennial struggle between good and evil has captivated human thought across millennia, drawing insights from both philosophers and scientists alike. Human nature, with its instinctual drives and often lacking a clear distinction between good and evil, is subject to the whims of personal interpretation. What one individual considers virtuous, another might view as malevolent, reflecting the subjective nature of morality. This age-old battle, originating from the dawn of creation by the Divine, persists inexorably towards the eschaton. The esteemed Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky extensively explored this theme in his literary works, endeavoring to promote ideals and justice within society. Although not formally trained in psychology, Dostoevsky adeptly penetrated the depths of the human psyche, articulating the covert emotions and inclinations that often remain unexpressed. This conflict manifests not only in the interactions between individuals and their surroundings but also within the internal battles driven by personal desires and impulses. This study delves into the dualism of good and evil as portrayed in Dostoevsky's seminal work, "Crime and Punishment." This novel transcends the typical adventure or detective genres to probe deeply into the moral and social quandaries associated with crime and its deleterious effects on society. Dostoevsky masterfully illustrates the internal turmoil of a criminal mind during and after the perpetration of a crime, exploring how the criminal rationalizes their deeds as morally justified. The resolution of these conflicts ultimately fosters a catharsis and moral redemption of the characters, advocating the triumph of virtue over wickedness.