In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel, Crime and Punishment, one of the major themes is Spiritual Renewal and Redemption. Even though this theme is not clearly shown until later in the novel, it still has the most paramount importance throughout the story. Throughout the story the main character, Raskolnikov, is searching for a way out of his grueling torment within himself. When he starts to become close and personal with Sonia, it becomes clear that she will be a vital part of his redemption process. At one part of the book, both Sonia and Raskolnikov sit down together and read the story of Lazarus in the New Testament. This is where we first see Raskolnikov’s biblical interest spark. When Raskolnikov finally admits that he is the one who killed the two women, this shows the reader that he is on his way to redemption. Even though his redemption is not spiritual at that moment, he is becoming more vulnerable and open minded. By the end of the novel, Raskolnikov is in his prison cell reading the New Testament. This definitely represents one of the major themes of the novel very well. A man, who is searching for a way out of torment and anguish, finds himself reading the New Testament in a Siberian Prison. Another book that has the theme of Spiritual Renewal and Redemption is Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Throughout the novel the main character is trying to find himself, his true purpose in life. He is not truly redeemed and renewed though, until the end of the novel. He is lying down on his death bed, with a bright glow of light shining on his face. This represents his true redemption and spiritual renewal from God. Both novels have amazing themes that run throughout the story. The theme of Redemption and Spiritual Renewal is very popular throughout novels and is extremely dramatic and heart wrentching.
-Conner Furr
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