Dostoevsky's Punishment of Crime is unique in literature as a book whose true villain is a theory in the mind of its protagonist. This theory of the ubermensch, or superman, originates from the main character, Raskolnikov, who argues that any violation of moral law is permitted to those few “extraordinary men” who are destined to bring about an increase in the overall justice of the world. . Obsessed with this theory, Raskolnikov's mind becomes dramatically conflicted, his good inclinations at odds with his desire to prove himself as one of these ubermensch. Despite this obsession, the ramifications of his idea remain unclear to Raskolnikov until he meets the man, Svidrigailov. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Svidrigailov is a figure whose presence throws Raskolnikov's mental division into sharp relief through his unwavering singleness of purpose. This man, in fact, embodies the theory that creates Raskolnikov's mental turmoil in the first place. He lives for one purpose – himself – and seems immune from moral responsibility. He is superficially kind and polite. As Raskolnikov tells him, I really imagine that you are a man of excellent education, or at least know how to sometimes behave like one. (Part 4, Chapter 1 -p.256) However, this “good manners” is a rather thin disguise for a character so absorbed in his comforts and pleasures that he has become completely depraved. He is calm and rarely loses his temper, but his composure often hides plots and connivances. He committed several murders over many years. But according to the idea that the extraordinary man does not deserve any temporal or mental punishment, he is completely merciless. Furthermore, he is above human law, because the nature of his crimes is such that they can never be proven. Raskolnikov's character is an interesting mix of good and bad traits; his generosity, compassion and love of justice contrast sharply with his surliness, sullen attitude and pride. His close friend Razumihin describes him as "gloomy, gloomy, proud and haughty... He has a noble nature and a kind heart... it's as if he alternates between two characters." (Part 3, chapter 2 – p.194) Up until the moment of meeting Svidrigailov, Raskolnikov is tormented by guilt over the murder of an old pawnbroker whose dishonesty, he had decided, had “deserved” death . The best side of his character makes it impossible for him to escape this sense of guilt; however, the only conclusion he will admit is that he is not an extraordinary man. The idea that his theory might be wrong is intolerable to his pride: even if he is one of the "worms" of the world, bound by moral laws and human regulations, at least his idea must be right. But then Svidrigailov introduces himself to Raskolnikov, insisting from the first moments of their conversation that he and the young man are incredibly similar, despite the fact that Raskolnikov is as outwardly brash, rude and hot-tempered as Svidrigailov is cold, polite and calm. “Didn't I say there was something in common between us? ......Wasn't I right in saying we were birds of a feather? (Part 4, Chapter 1) Raskolnikov reacts with indignation to the idea. Svidrigailov also has crimes in his past, but his crimes were far from Raskolnikov's “righteous murders”: this man had caused the suicide of a fifteen-year-old deaf girl, had caused the death of one of his servants and most likely he had poisoned his own wife. Each of Svidrigailov's actions is not calculated for any purpose other than his own pleasure: his own.