This chapter was the true turning point in the novel. After all of this, Raskolnikov finally opened up to someone (Sonya) and confessed. However, his confession contradicts his original motive for killing the pawnbroker. He stated earlier in the story that the only reason why he committed the crime was to rid the world of such a terrible, hated person. Now, he admits that his sole motive as to why he did this was because he wanted to do something daring in order to feel exceptional. He feels as if all of human kind is inferior, and he feels as if he is too good for society. In order to justify this and support his thinking, he feels as though he has the authority to kill someone and get away with it. It is a truly despicable act, but the fact that he is finally making a connection with another human being and receiving sympathy shows that he is in fact on the same level as the other humans. I was a little shocked at Sonya's understanding and minimal horror after hearing the confession. However, I do believe that she is an excellent influence on Raskolnikov because she convinces him to accept his fate and confess publicly in order to receive forgiveness from God. I also like how she gives him one last chance to make things right by himself instead of turning him in. I feel like this further supports Raskolnikov on the slow progress he is making in order to be a better person. Raskolnikov's confession allows me to see some good in him. I realize that he is psychologically troubled and that he took the lives of two innocent people in order to satisfy his sick theory of being superior to mankind, but it is evident that he does have a conscience and has been traumatized ever since the beginning of the story. Raskolnikov will eventually go to prison, but only this time it will be physical. He has been stuck in this emotional prison for a very long time, which I believe is far worse than anything he will face in prison.
Gabriel Magalhaes
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