Possible Thesis

1. The progression of religion throughout the novel could be a potential theme to write about, especially how it develops in Raskolnikovs life. In the beginning of the novel Raskolnikov does not turn to God at all, it seems as if he thinks he is too prideful to rely on religion. Towards the end of the novel Raskolnikov seems a bit more connected to religion, especially with the help he receives from Sonya. He even sets up a connection between himself and a passage in the Bible.

2. Raskolnikov's ego has a great influence on the novel. His egoism convinces him that his murder was actually a benefit to society rather than something he should feel guilty about. Yet at the same time his ego is at its highest point, it can also drop to an all time low. Raskolnikov thinks of himself as one of the most intellectual men in society, then out of no where he will compares himself to a louse. This drastic alteration in his ego has had a strong influence in his choices prior to and after he committed murder.

3. A topic that I find interesting is the connections Dosteovsky makes between Raskolnikov and the underground man. Both characters seem to have similar personalities and face the same obstacles. They both struggle to fit into society and fail to understand what makes them so different from the rest of the mass. We are already aware that the underground man is capable of seeing with clarity, I am curious to research and find out if Raskolnikov deals with the same issue.

4. All of the characters in Crime and Punishment take into consideration society's views and what society may think of them. For example, Raskolnikov wonders what society and his own family will think about him once they are aware that he is the murderer. The idea of what society perceives of one and the judgement that comes with it plays an important role in Dostoevsky's novel.