In Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment, the character of Raskolnikov is one who may be considered evil or immoral for his actions, however his portrayal by the author is one that instills sympathy in the reader for the character due to his motives and personal, internal consequences he suffers for his crime of murder. There is considerable evidence supporting the view that Raskolnikov wants his theory surrounding the murder to be proven wrong, to get caught, and to be punished. This tells the reader that deep down, Raskolnikov knows in his heart what is wrong and right, and that he wants to be brought back down off his pedestal and enter back in to normal human society. Raskolnikov's theory of the "superman" who is above all societal constraints and able to stamp out the weak and detrimental people in society for the common good, is one that is obviously skewed. This prompts Raskolnikov to doubt his reasoning for and consequent execution of the crime. He knows that his theory is wrong, but he has been crea

seems to be leaning toward punishment rather than away from it. He returns to his room, pockets bulging with stolen articles, and falls asleep, forgetting to lock the door. From here on, he is continually leaving clues that encourage suspicion. The day after the murder he answers a summons to the police, which he expects deals with the murder. When he discovers that he is not suspected, he faints in order to arouse suspicion. This also displays Raskolnikov's mental weakness, in that when placed in a compromising or surprising situation, he panics and does not know what to do. His fainting scene highlights his desperate cry for attention; in this case suspicion of murder. This is a trait evident in a detached man who needs to feel that his life is worth something again. He then nearly confesses to his friend Zametov in a tavern, and later, while visiting the scene of the crime, gives the men working there his name and address. The police investigator Porfiry is then involved when Raskolnikov seeks him out and provokes suspicion towards him surrounding the murder. Significantly, when Porify visits him in his room and declares that he has no evidence that could convict him, the author states that: "The thought that Porify thought him innocent began to frighten him suddenly." (245) Porfiry discovers some new information, which acts as a catalyst, allowing him to see everything from a different perspective. All of Raskolnikov's prior actions fall into place. Most importantly, the clues show Porfiry how to handle his suspect. Since Raskolnikov's actions indicate a desire to be caught, all Porfiry has to do is let him know that he is suspected, and the culprit's own temperament will do the rest. Porfiry uses mind games as a tool of detection,

Dostoyevsky, Fydor. Crime and Punishment. Wordsworth Editions Limited. Ware, Hertfordshire. 1993.

All of Raskolnikov's actions can be attributed to a desire for a return to human society. He can sustain his belief in the superman theory only as long as his conception of society as a mass of auto

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