Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment is the story of Rodion Raskolnikov, a poor ex-student from St. Petersburg who plans to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her money. Somewhat like Robin Hood, Raskolnikov rationalizes that with the woman's money he can perform good deeds to counterbalance his crime. The murder also has another purpose which is to test his theory that people are capable of certain acts, and even have the right to do them if it is for a greater benefit to society. At various points in the novel, Raskolnikov justifies his actions by comparing himself with Napoleon, that under the right circumstances, even murder is acceptable if it is done for a higher good.