25 Crime and Punishment Quotes That Are Instaworthy

By Norbert Juma

Master quote curator and editor on a mission to inspire

Published May 8, 2023

If you are interested in reading Crime and Punishment quotes, this article is for you.

Here, you will find the best quotes from the novel “Crime and Punishment.”

We have also discussed various aspects of this novel, including the plot, themes, and characters.

So, without any further ado, let’s dive in!

An Introduction to “Crime and Punishment”

Crime and Punishment is a famous novel written by Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky.

It was published in 1866 and gained widespread popularity as a masterpiece in the genre of psychological fiction.

It stands among the most influential works in the history of literature.

Plot

The story of this novel revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov.

He is a young man and the main character of the novel.

Raskolnikov is struggling to make both ends meet.

Besides, he considers himself above the law.

Hence, he thinks about committing a crime and killing a pawnbroker.

Raskolnikov justifies his crime by thinking he is helping the poor with the money from this murder.

Further, this novel unfolds various other aspects associated with Raskolnikov’s inclination toward crime.

Themes

The novel allows readers to explore a wide range of themes associated with redemption, morality, and the human condition.

Even after more than 150 years of its publication, this novel still resonates with the lives of the readers.

Discussed below are the themes portrayed in this novel.

Violation of morality and its consequences
Forgiveness and redemption
Unraveling of Rodion Raskolnikov’s psyche and emotions

Violation of Morality and its Consequences

Raskolnikov justifies his act of committing a crime as he believes in his supremacy.

However, after some time, his criminal acts devastated and ruined his life.

In the end, he realizes that his self-delusion has led him to a path of destruction.

Ultimately, Raskolnikov is forced to face the consequences of his crimes.

Forgiveness and Redemption

It is another theme of this novel, which involves a feeling of guilt and shame after committing a crime.

After interacting with the other characters, Raskolnikov starts to understand the value of redemption and forgiveness.

Unraveling of Rodion Raskolnikov’s Psyche and Emotions

The novel also depicts the emotional and mental unraveling of Raskolnikov.

This involves his relationship with family and friends.

The novel also elaborates on the psyche of Raskolnikov and its damaging impact on his life.

Character List

Here is the list of the different characters portrayed in this novel.

Rodion Raskolnikov
Sofya Semyonovna Marmeladova
Avdotya Romanovna Raskolnikov
Pyotr Petrovich Luzhin
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
Porfiry Petrovich
Dmitri Prokofich Razumikhin

Top 5 Crime and Punishment Quotes

These are the top Crime And Punishment quotes.

1. “When reason fails, the devil helps!” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

2. “A hundred suspicions don’t make a proof.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

3. “Man grows used to everything, the scoundrel!” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

4. “Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

5. “It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

Following Crime and Punishment quotes are worth sharing, especially when it comes to your favorite social media platforms like Insta.

6. “What do you think, would not one tiny crime be wiped out by thousands of good deeds?” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

7. “You see I kept asking myself then: why am I so stupid that if others are stupid—and I know they are—yet I won’t be wiser?” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

8. “We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

9. “In flattery, even if everything is false down to the last note, it is still pleasant, and people will listen not without pleasure; with coarse pleasure, perhaps, but pleasure nevertheless.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

10. “We’re always thinking of eternity as an idea that cannot be understood, something immense. But why must it be? What if, instead of all this, you suddenly find just a little room there, something like a village bathhouse, grimy, and spiders in every corner, and that’s all eternity is? Sometimes, you know, I can’t help feeling that that’s what it is.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment Quotes About Suffering

This collection of Crime and Punishment quotes is about suffering, and you will know about suffering.

11. “The fear of appearances is the first symptom of impotence.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

12. “I did not bow down to you; I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

13. “Break what must be broken, once for all, that’s all, and take the suffering on oneself.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

14. “The man who has a conscience suffers whilst acknowledging his sin. That is his punishment– as well as prison.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

15. “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

Realistic Crime and Punishment Quotes

Following Crime and punishment quotes are based on reality and interesting facts.

16. “Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

17. “Man has it all in his hands, and it all slips through his fingers from sheer cowardice.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

18. “Power is given only to him who dares to stoop and take it … one must have the courage to dare.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

19. “There is nothing in the world more difficult than candor, and nothing easier than flattery.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

20. “People with new ideas, people with the faintest capacity for saying something new, are extremely few in number, extraordinarily so, in fact.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment Quotes With Valuable Advice

These Crime And Punishment quotes have valuable advice for you to make sure you act on them.

21. “Only to live, to live and live! Life, whatever it may be!” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

22. “Truly great men must, I think, experience great sorrow on the earth.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

23. “To go wrong in one’s own way is better than to go right in someone else’s.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

24. “And the more I drink the more I feel it. That’s why I drink too. I try to find sympathy and feeling in drink…. I drink so that I may suffer twice as much!” — Fyodor Dostoevsky

25. “Don’t be overwise; fling yourself straight into life, without deliberation; don’t be afraid – the flood will bear you to the bank and set you safe on your feet again.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky