The Split Soul of a Killer

The protagonist of Crime and Punishment carries a name that reveals his fate. Raskolnikov is derived from the Russian word for schismatic, perfectly capturing a man divided by his own conflicting morals.

Dostoevsky was a master at hiding deeper meanings within his character names. By choosing a surname rooted in the term for a religious dissenter, the author signals Raskolnikov’s internal separation from society and humanity. While Rodion suggests a Greek island origin, it is the Russian half of his identity that defines his descent into turmoil. Understanding this linguistic clue adds a fascinating layer to his classic struggle with guilt and redemption.