The Bible and Crime and Punishment Dosteovsky's novel Crime and Punishment describes the biblical tale of Jesus' path to crucifixion burdened by a wooden cross through the character of Raskolnikov. After committing cold-blooded murder, he experiences mental anguish and, in a state of defeat, confesses and accepts the consequences of his crime. Although the novel begins by focusing on the crime itself, the majority of the book discusses Raskolnikov's struggle through denial and redemption after the murder is committed. His very "greatness" leads to his denial of God, and his attempt to suppress his conscience causes madness and disease. However, these negative consequences force him to recognize his righteousness and realize his need for confession. The prostitute Sonya helps Raskolnikov take a step towards redemption by discussing with him the biblical story of Lazarus' rebirth from the dead. This scene depicts his inability to understand Sonya's God and embodies his refusal to cling to a higher being. Raskolnikov's relentless pursuit of thwarting Sonya's faith characterized the frustration and struggle she experienced due to spiritual issues. However, his path to confession progressed during their conversation due to his hidden desire to understand Sonya's faith. With her help, he took a step towards redemption, foreshadowing her action in resurrecting him from the "dead". Sonya pleads with him to wear his cross and confess his heinous crime. However, he refuses to accept this burden. This directly parallels Jesus' refusal to die before his appointed time. The novel's climax occurs after Raskolnikov realizes and accepts its consequences. He visits Sonya and receives his cross. Through this action he accepts punishment and, ironically, his life. The benefactor of this gift, Sonya, has significance in this allusion to the Bible. Sonya, a sinner in the eyes of the world, gives her cross to Raskolnikov. Furthermore, it gives him the strength to live again. Jesus was given the cross to carry by the people, sinners by definition in the Bible. With his actions, he brought life back to the people who had sentenced him to death. Raskolnikov's path to the police station for confession parallels Jesus' path to crucifixion with his cross.