The Perspective of Crime

Crime, in many cases, is solely based the element of perspective. In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment the murder of the pawnbroker is one of these instances. At first, Raskolnikov sees little harm in the murder. Based on his own perspective, he is benefitting society by sacrificing the life of one person for the good of the greater populace. An average person would view murder for what it truly is, a crime. Raskolnikov’s personal perspective influences his view of the situation. Based on his economic and social situation, he views the pawnbroker as a source of evil in society and makes it his own personal mission to eradicate this evil. I think perspective is extremely relevant when it comes to judging the crime. Raskolnikov’s mental, emotional, and economic state influences Porfiry’s treatment of him. Based on his situation, Porfiry feels sympathetic towards Raskolnikov and treats him differently than one would expect a criminal to be treated. In both cases of crime and the judgment of a crime, perspective factors into one’s definition of morality and the truth.