Crime and Punishment Study Guide

The story begins on a hot July evening in St. Petersburg, when the anxious young student Raskolnikov goes out for a walk. He dreads meeting the landlady from whom he rents a shabby little closet of a room, since he owes her money. His finances have taken a turn for the worse lately, leaving him perpetually worried and hungry. Nervous and unstable, he wanders the streets in a daze, constantly talking to himself. His shabby, out of style clothes make him feel awkward and conspicuous. His thoughts turn to a bizarre, mysterious notion that has recently come to him. This is so horrible he cannot refer to it directly; rather, he speaks of it through hints and allusions. Whatever the idea may be, he assures himself it is only a "hideous dream" and not a serious proposition. (read more)