In the face of adversity, what causes some to prevail while others fail?
The novel Crime and Punishment relates to the theme of adversity and failure in many ways. The most prevalent and consistent struggle in the story is Raskolnikov's inner struggle and battle with himself. It seems as if he really does not know who he is. He struggles with the idea of "ordinary versus extraordinary". What makes somebody extraordinary? Is it simply the mindset? Dostoyevsky leaves much ambiguity in this theme. This is illustrated by Raskolnikov's mindset of justifying a gruesome immoral murdering with "good intentions" in helping many others. Although he robbed two innocent souls of life, did he do greater good for the people? Raskolnikov suffers from adversity because he does not believe in himself. Before committing the murders of Aloyna and Lizaveta, he was confident and sure of his decisions. He truly believed that it would be in the best interest of himself and others, if they were not a part of this world anymore. After he commits murder, he spirals into a state of insanity, and he becomes at war with himself. His journey is characterized with inward struggles, questions, second thoughts, and impulses of wanting to confess what he did.
Confidence prevails. No matter what situation one is in, their mindset and sureness of themselves can change the entire outlook. When Raskolnikov lost his confidence, he lost his hope and the belief in himself that what he did, was indeed the right thing to do for society. Though in the end of the story, it is hard to say whether Rodya prevailed or failed. It is left up to the reader to determine whether or not his choice to confess came from the desire in his own heart, or the influence of the pure-hearted Sonya. Is Rodya happy to confess, or relieved? Did he do it out of regret from his own heart? Did he do it for Sonya, and all that she has been through?
I believe that Raskolinikov prevailed. The reader witnesses the tragic end of a character who lost sanity, and commit suicide- Svidigralov. Raskolnikov could have ended up like him. This would have been the easy way out. Whether or not his intentions for confession were from internal or external forces, he did what was right in the end. Raskolnikov faced his adversity, and paid the price of what he did. In the end, he prevailed because he realized what the truth was.
