Symbolism in "Crime and Punishment"

Paper Summary:

The many objects used as symbols in "Crime and Punishment" lead readers to a greater understanding of both the growth of the characters and the themes presented throughout the work. This paper shows that Dostoevsky's use of symbolism unites various characters and links them with the themes of moral decay (the color yellow), suffering, entrapment in one's sins (the presence of insects), and redemption through confession (the presence of water). These symbols are most important in that they connect Raskolnikov with other characters who mirror parts of his personality and parts of his psychological struggles.

From the Paper:

"Numerous references are made to the color yellow, a hue which symbolizes the moral, physical, and mental decay of those in its presence. It is introduced quite early in the work, where it is noted that "...the yellowish dusty wall-paper peeling off the walls gave it a wretchedly shabby appearance..." (Dostoevsky 23). This setting creates a tone which matches Raskolnikov's mood that morning-"...bilious, peevish, and irritable" (23). It also hints at the decay that Raskolnikov is already experiencing. His landlady's servant, Nastasya, notes this when she brings him some tea and then exclaims that he will waste away if he does not drink it (23). She is, of course, simply addressing a physical type of decay (at least consciously); however, Raskolnikov's deterioration is of a much broader scope. It begins even before he decides to commit the murder of Alyona Ivanovna, the disagreeable pawnbroker, and her sister Lizaveta."

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