Throughout history, people have relied on fate as the reason for their misfortunes. Whether they let it dictate their actions or run their lives, fate has been an excuse for many to make bad decisions. In Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Raskolnikov attributes most of his crimes to the episodes of fate that led to the murder of Alena Ivanovna. Through Raskolnikov's reliance on fate, readers are able to see Dostoevsky's negative stance on the concept of fate. Dostoevsky does not approve of the use of fate as a determining factor for any logical decision. Dostoevsky makes it clear that Raskolnikov's use of fate to justify his actions can only lead to a negative outcome. Even though it shouldn't, fate plays a huge role in the decisions many people make. Raskolnikov is clearly part of these "many people" as he decides to kill the old pawnbroker solely based on a conversation he overheard in a diner that solidified his morbid thoughts. Despite having "doubts" about committing the murder after having a dark dream depicting a beaten horse, Raskolnikov chose to pursue his idea after coincidentally overhearing a conversation. He wondered "why had he happened to come across such a speech... right now, when exactly those same thoughts had just been generated in his head?" (Dostoevsky 81) In addition to this conversation, Raskolnikov felt pulled by the force of fate when he found an ax that would allow him to kill the pawnbroker. He believed that since he had this stroke of luck, he should go through with his original murder idea. Raskolnikov uses the idea of ​​fate to make his important decisions. Since fate is the driving force that makes... middle of paper... pawn shop, he keeps blaming fate again and again. Dostoevsky writes all these examples of Raskolnikov's pre-crime fate to allow Raskolnikov to feel as if he is being guided by an unknown force of nature. Dostoevsky clearly disapproves of fate and hopes that readers will be able to see through his deception. Dostoevsky's blatant distrust of fate is shown in the way Raskolnikov justifies his crime and subsequent punishment for it. Following the idea of ​​fate rather than one's common sense can lead, and does lead in Raskolnikov's case, to unfortunate outcomes. Many people continue to justify their heinous actions by blaming fate. Destiny is a facade that some choose to wear, and it is a disease that some choose to contract. Fate makes it seem like there is only one choice, but in reality, humans are always in control of their own actions.