The Paradox of the settings: St. Petersburg & the Siberian Prison in Crime & Punishment by Dostoyevsky

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Cherno Okafor Okafor 1

Ms. Wittlin

ENG3U7/ETS 4U7

March 28th, 2012

The Paradox of the settings: St. Petersburg & the Siberian Prison in Crime & Punishment

"The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons" (Dostoyevsky). This statement by Dostoyevsky in Crime and Punishment reflects the paradox of human civilization, whereby the settings of St. Petersburg and the Siberian prison reflect this political view. The Siberian prison, where Raskolnikov is imprisoned, is based on Dostoevsky's own experience of being exiled and locked up in prison. This prison is also where Dostoyevsky writes through a religious call for redemption through suffering. By setting the novel in St. Petersburg, Dostoevsky draws attention to the miserable social conditions that existed in Russia during the time of intense loss, humiliation, and rage. Dostoyevsky uses a satirical analysis of liberal politics to reinforce his socialist values and criticizes the separation of the "ordinary" class and the "superman" class. St. Petersburg is usually thought of as a beautiful city with fabulous buildings and art; however, there is a much more impoverished side of the city. Almost all of the characters, including Raskolnikov, are alienated from