In the whole literature of the Subtle and mysterious relation ship between man and the crimes he commits, Crime and Punishment stands supreme for its insight, its compassion and its psychological fidelity. The story of the murder committed by Raskolnikov, his punishment and atonement, is the most gripping and illuminating study ever written of a crime of repugnance and despair, and the consequences which arise inevitably from it. In Dostoyevsky’s mind, crime is its own punishment and retributive justice can never be so severe as the penalty the human soul can impose on itself.