Outline

Raskolnikov has always been a prideful man, prideful enough to reject God. After the murder Raskolnikov is overcome by his guilt, knowing that he has committed one the greatest sins. He chooses to ignore God and live in sin until Sonya reassures his faith in God and helps Raskolnikov confess his faults.

I. Prior to the murder
     a. Raskolnikov seems to prideful to believe in God.
     b. Before the action is committed he does not mention anything regarding a religious standpoint.

II. After the murder
     a. Raskolnikov is aware that he has committed a great sin.
     b. Convinces himself that he did this in order to help the rest of society, making the sin acceptable   since so many people would benefit.

III. Sonya vs. Svidrigailov
     a. Sonya acts like the Christ figure. She helps him turn towards religion, and eventually succeeds.
     b. Svidrigailov acts like a devil figure. He urges Raskolnikov to keep his pride and run away. He influences Raskolnikov in all the wrong ways and ultimately ends up killing himself.

IV. The Biblical story of Lazarus
     a. While Raskolnikov is desperate to be relieved from his sinful conscious, he begs Sonya to read him the passage of Lazarus in the Bible.
     b. Even though nothing is discussed, it is implied that Raskolnikov forms some kind of connection between himself and Lazarus.

V. The confession
     a. Raskolnikov finally agrees with Sonya and realizes that the only way to reach salvation is to confess his sins.
    b. Finally Raskolnikov goes down to the police station and confesses, taking Sonyas cross with him.
    c. He kneels down and once he hits the ground he admits to being the murderer.