Crime and Punishment: Religion, Judicial Reforms in Dostoevsky's Work

This report analyzes two presentations concerning Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment'. The first presentation examines the role of religion in the novel, particularly focusing on the character of Sonia and her influence on Raskolnikov's religious perspectives, while also discussing the use of excerpts and illustrations. The second presentation delves into Dostoevsky's views on judicial reforms, highlighting the perspectives of various characters and illustrating the pre- and post-reform eras through the character of Petrovich. The report provides a critical evaluation of both presentations, noting strengths such as the substantiation of religious themes and the clarity in presenting Dostoevsky's perspectives, as well as weaknesses such as a lack of clarity and issues with the presentation's structure and style. The analysis draws on several references to support the arguments and provides a comprehensive overview of the presentations' content and effectiveness.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Contents
The role of religion in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment.......................3
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s views on the Judicial reforms.................................................4
References.................................................................................................................5

The role of religion in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
The first presentation which has been given by O’ Brien revolved around role of religion
in Fyodor Dostoeyskys’ Crime and punishment. This presentation covers major extracts from the
novel and attempts to justify the importance of religious practices involved in the novel. This
presentation also covers the excerpts which were written in the books which makes it more
realistic and appealing for audiences and helps in understanding the core of the subject. For
instance, at the end of a paragraph a brief commentary is given which is further justifying the
character which has been portrayed by Sonia. She is also said to have corrected the protagonist
Raskolnikov religious perspectives (Keppel, 2017). But there are some areas which needs to be
worked upon as I was not able to understand it completely. There has been a lack of clarity on
the subject as the characters were not build in an ideal manner. I would have liked it more if I
had sufficient information relating to characters which were considered for this novel. To get a
closure, I had to surf the internet relevant to the subject matter. For instance, understanding the
character of Sonia and how she helped in building the character of the ‘sinner’ Raskolnikov.
There has been lesser information on the Raskolnikov’s character and the religious perspectives
which was different from others (Gautam, 2017).
There is an insertion of numerous examples which were supporting the initial statement
that Sonia is a very devoted woman. For instance, the focus on the word sinner and miracle can
be some of the examples which signifies the religious sentiment and devotion that she carried in
this project. The use of pictorial illustration for this presentation is advantageous as audience
would be able to relate to the subject. I was satisfied with the commentary as it was very direct
and carried a greater relevance to the project which was being studied. The use of clipart for the
project is somewhat humorous as the subject is way more intense and deep. This emerged to be a
major disadvantage for this presentation as the use of correct information and illustration are the
key to making a successful presentation. The use of religion for this novel have been well
substantiated. The use of cross and devotion of Sonia towards Christianity have been portrayed
through identifying excerpts and clipping from the novel itself (Gibson, 2016).
Therefore, it can be said that the theme which has been undertaken was worked upon well
but the issues relating to clarity makes it a little difficult to understand. The subject is not straight
as it is more revolved around beliefs and faith. The presentation helped in me in getting a brief

overview of the story but I would have appreciated it more if it supplied with holistic information
relevant to the undertaken theme.
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s views on the Judicial reforms
The second presentation focuses on the Fyodor Dostoevsky’s views on the Judicial
reforms which took place in the year of 1864. The presentation begins with presenting the
characters and views of different people who have been appreciative or non-appreciative of the
reforms. Dostoevsky have been always critical of the reforms in the Russian Judicial system
which was visible through the fiction and non-fiction work that he had done (Beck, 2016). It
directly narrates the incident between different characters in the study relevant to the theme
undertaken. The presentation is supported with use of different painting and illustrations which
makes it more appealing to audiences.
The judicial compassion portrayed in the presentation is visible through numerous
instances which dignifies that views he presented in the system (Ronner, 2017). The narrative on
this presentation is very clear as presenter have been able to communicate and present them in an
appropriate manner. The major understanding from this presentation signifies the distinct
perspective which has been carried by Dostoevsky (Gale, 2015). The novel Crime and
Punishment is written post reformation but not their implementation. There have been a use of
excerpts and paintings of Petrovich who is acting both the police inspector and lawyer in the
novel. The use of contrast features through character of Petrovich have been really helpful in
understanding the theme better and make a comparison between the pre-reform and post- reform
era. I am appreciative of the language that has been used and the manner in which presenter
builds the character. It is further helpful in staying within the theme and undertaking crucial
themes rather than avoiding it.
Lots of issues are presented by this presenter after the changes are levied on in the system
on the basis of their accuracy, impact, reliability and ability to adhere the same. Presentation
medium was chosen by this writer to present their views upon the laws. The quality of
presentation is quite clear but the usage of the words and application of the tone is not perfect
which has toned down the quality of the presentation delivered. This does not help in clear
understanding of the writer views. Sometimes, usage of the vague words for presentation makes
the work inappropriate in nature and seems less impact over listeners. The background of the
presentation is not effective and not matches up with the topic conveyed by the writer. Also, the

matter is not presented in chronological order in presentation and the same will have negative
impact over writer expectations. The style and size of the font is also not in accordance to the
standards and the same will reduces the effectiveness of presentation. The quality of presentation
is fine but its appearance is not perfect and contains lots of error. Overall, the writer not able to
provide the full justice to his work.

References
Books and Journal
Beck, M., 2016. Russian Justice on Trial: A Slavophile's Perspective on Judicial Reform in
Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamazov.
Gale, C. L., 2015. A Study Guide for Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. Gale,
Cengage Learning.
Gibson, A. B., 2016. The religion of Dostoevsky. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Keppel, T. A., 2017. Raskolnikov's transformation in crime and punishment (Doctoral
dissertation).
Ronner, A. D., 2017. Dostoevsky as juvenile justice advocate and progenitor of therapeutic
jurisprudence. . Thomas L. Rev.. 30. p.5.Gautam, D., 2017. Tension Between Tradition
And Modernity: A Contextual Reading Of Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and
Punishment (Doctoral dissertation).