In
Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel
Crime and Punishment, the Marmeladov family has a great influence on the main character,
Raskolnikov, and his actions. Marmeladov serves as a connection between his family and
Raskolnikov, while
Katerina Ivanovna helps to show
Raskolnikov’s duality, and
Sonia becomes a key figure in
Raskolnikov’s forgiveness.
Marmeladov is included in the novel for the chief purpose of establishing a bond between his family and
Raskolnikov. Marmeladov’s colorful account of his family’s life introduces the family’s predicament to
Raskolnikov, revealing their suffering. This makes him take a personal interest in the family, which allows
Raskolnikov to later become more involved with
Katerina and
Sonia. Thus, Marmeladov is the crucial link between
Raskolnikov and the part of his future that lies with the Marmeladov family.
Katerina is the second part of
Raskolnikov’s relationship with her family, the part that brings out two completely different sides of
Raskolnikov: his generous, caring side, and his other, more selfish side. This is first shown when
Raskolnikov unobtrusively leaves money for them, thinking that he will help out this poor family a little; but he quickly changes his mind when he realizes his action, thinking, “What a stupid thing I’ve done” (21). His first impulse is always to be a kind, generous soul, but as soon as he devotes more time to thinking about whatever it is with which he is concerned,
Raskolnikov thinks only of himself.
This is also seen slightly when
Raskolnikov interacts with
Sonia, but she factors more into forgiveness. After
Raskolnikov leaves Marmeladov’s flat at his death, he promises to return soon; as he has just given them money, it seems unlikely that he has any reason to return except to see
Sonia. His initial interest in
Sonia is evidenced through his conversation with
Polenka, where also he already seems to see the need to be forgiven, asking
Polenka to pray for him. Furthermore, there is no explanation for
Raskolnikov’s sudden light-heartedness at this point, even after noticing the blood on his person, except that he now has some idea of salvation through
Sonia.
Raskolnikov, who witnessed
Sonia’s forgiving character, sees that he must confess to
Sonia, that he must be given her forgiveness. Before encountering the injured Marmeladov,
Raskolnikov has thought several times about confessing to the police; after he first sees
Sonia,
Raskolnikov knows that he must definitely confess to
Sonia, as she is the only person whose forgiveness
Raskolnikov wants.
Raskolnikov has a different relationship with each of the Marmeladov family members, but each one contributes or shows something essential to his character. Therefore, the Marmeladovs are indispensable characters in this novel, strengthening the more moral side of
Raskolnikov’s character by making him think more about other people and by offering him the forgiveness he needs.