In the book, there is a specific moment which ties Raskolnikov and Sonia together. The crosses. Before
Raskolnikov decides to confess, he is in a fit. He storms to Sonia’s house where he demands the cross.
Sonia, terrified takes two crosses, “One of cypress wood and one of copper.” (pg.497) from her drawer
and, after crossing herself and Raskolnikov, she places the crosses around both of their necks. In
Christianity, the cross has symbolized Jesus’ self-sacrifice for human kind. It is an important part of the
religion as it was what Jesus was crucified on. For Raskolnikov he regards the cross as a symbol of
taking responsibility for his actions, as he confesses shortly after. For Sonia, the cross is her own
symbol of redemption not only in death but also in life. This act solidifies her intentions to stay with him
no matter what. This symbolizes her commitment to Raskolnikov. Almost acting as an engagement.
They will “bear [their] cross[es] together.” Further, throughout the book they are constantly “crossing”
each others paths, and these meetings have a profound effect on Raskolnikov. For example, just before
he goes to kill the pawnbroker and Lizaveta he “crosses” Sonia. They make eye contact for a brief
moment and then he walks on. Moreover, after failing to confess he sees her in the street watching him,
imploring him to confess through the look in her eyes. He returns to the office and confesses. Their
“crosses” as well as their physical crosses bring them closer, and ultimately help Raskolnikov to confess
as well as giving Sonia redemption and hope.
Raskolnikov decides to confess, he is in a fit. He storms to Sonia’s house where he demands the cross.
Sonia, terrified takes two crosses, “One of cypress wood and one of copper.” (pg.497) from her drawer
and, after crossing herself and Raskolnikov, she places the crosses around both of their necks. In
Christianity, the cross has symbolized Jesus’ self-sacrifice for human kind. It is an important part of the
religion as it was what Jesus was crucified on. For Raskolnikov he regards the cross as a symbol of
taking responsibility for his actions, as he confesses shortly after. For Sonia, the cross is her own
symbol of redemption not only in death but also in life. This act solidifies her intentions to stay with him
no matter what. This symbolizes her commitment to Raskolnikov. Almost acting as an engagement.
They will “bear [their] cross[es] together.” Further, throughout the book they are constantly “crossing”
each others paths, and these meetings have a profound effect on Raskolnikov. For example, just before
he goes to kill the pawnbroker and Lizaveta he “crosses” Sonia. They make eye contact for a brief
moment and then he walks on. Moreover, after failing to confess he sees her in the street watching him,
imploring him to confess through the look in her eyes. He returns to the office and confesses. Their
“crosses” as well as their physical crosses bring them closer, and ultimately help Raskolnikov to confess
as well as giving Sonia redemption and hope.
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