Although Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment has a primarily social theme, it offers an interesting approach to the Christian interpretation of the man. Through Raskolnikov's self-destructive experiences, the reader is led to see the fallacy of human individualism when taken to the extreme. However, Dostoevsky also provides a message of hope that teaches that through humility and love, even the vilest of men can be reformed. Raskolnikov finds his way to reform through Sonia, who teaches Raskolnikov the power of love to free one from the chains of guilt. When considered with this theme in mind, the epilogue of Crime and Punishment is a powerful and necessary addition that enhances the overall structure and theme of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At the beginning of the novel, the reader becomes acquainted with Raskolnikov. Evidence of Christianity can be seen in his character immediately after committing murder. After attempting to prove his theory of an "extraordinary individual", Raskolnikov is plagued by guilt. He realizes that his theory is wrong and begins to seek relief from his troubled conscience. Dostoevsky writes that Raskolnikov "dispelled the thought" and "knew only that, one way or another, everything had to be changed" (150). The idea that Raskolnikov must change his life to find peace of mind is clearly Christian. One of the main teachings of Christianity is that comfort is found by converting to a new behavioral pattern. As the novel progresses, Dostoevsky shows that Raskolnikov's psychological illness will not heal on its own. Through numerous failed attempts to forget his crime, the reader quickly understands that internal change is necessary for Raskolnikov to find peace. The author provides the key to the internal change of his main character through the conversation with the drunkard Marmeladov. Although drunk, Marmeladov rightly quotes several passages from the Bible and then explains his beliefs about the Lord and the Day of Judgment. Marmeladov states that the Lord will summon all drunkards to the end of His judgment and will give an explanation for this to the wise and intelligent by saying: "I welcome them, O wise and intelligent, for none of them considered themselves worthy of this" (21). From this the reader can understand Dostoevsky's position that the humble are greater than the wise and intelligent. This idea also has a Christian basis. In Christian teaching one can find a story about Jesus Christ that answers the question “Who is he the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Christ responds by saying that "whoever... humbles himself like a child, he will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:1,4). Dostoevsky lays out the solution to the problem of Dostoevsky: He must humble himself if he wants to escape the debilitating guilt he feels The author reinforces his argument that humility is the key to abandoning guilt by describing Raskolnikov's inability to abandon his pride. Even after being reminded of his conversation with Marmeladov, Raskolnikov still tries to fight his guilt alone. He thinks to himself, "Now let's move on to the realm of light and reason and... and freedom and power... and now we'll see! Now we'll have to compare wits!" (182) As if this wasn't obvious enough, Dostoevsky writes that Raskolnikov says this "arrogantly, as if addressing a dark force and challenging it" (182). As the story continues, the reader is shown that Raskolnikov cannot overcome his guilt with reason and slips back into a delusional state of internal panic. Showing more to the reader. 1999