Crime and Punishment

Raskolnikov is sent to far-flung Siberia. After nine months in prison and 18 months since the murder, he has gained a fresh perspective on events. At the trial, he made a full confession and the details he gave of the murder scene removed all doubt as to his guilt. He told the authorities where they could find the buried loot. The psychologists at the trial explained that Raskolnikov’s deteriorating mental state led him to make many strange decisions. His friends and family also testified to this fragile state of mind. Raskolnikov refused to allow his sanity to excuse or explain his actions, blaming his poverty more. However, he did ask the court to acknowledge his willingness to repent his crimes. Razumikhin testified about Raskolnikov’s numerous and occasionally foolish acts of charity. Porfiry kept quiet during the trial, making Raskolnikov’s confession sound more genuine. The sentence he received was surprisingly light: eight years in a Siberian labor camp. Sonia was allowed to accompany him.

After the trial, Razumikhin married Dunia. Though they initially tried to keep the details of Raskolnikov’s trial and sentencing secret from his mother, they were not able to do so. She grew ill and delirious, and then died, acknowledging the truth about her son’s fate in her final moments.