Literary Terms in Crime and Punishment

Surprise ending—a completely unexpected revelation or turn of a plot at the conclusion of a story or play.

Plot manipulation—a situation in which an author gives the plot a twist or turn unjustified by preceding action or by the characters involved.

Is the ending of the story a surprise?

It depends on what you mean by surprise. Did it surprise me? No. But I suppose if someone had not heard the storyline of Crime and Punishment before it would definitely come as a shock since throughout the entire book it seems he is getting away with his crime.

Is it fairly achieved?

Definitely. It is how I would have chosen to end such a awful tale. The bad guy (and yes I mean Raskolnikov) repenting. The good guy getting the girl (Raz and Dunia). I think the ending served the authors purpose quite well, proving that the nihilistic ideas do not stand at all, and the horrors that can become of those who believe in them.

Escape literature—literature written purely for entertainment, with little or no attempt to provide insights into the true nature of human life or behavior.

Interpretive literature—literature that provides valid insights into the nature of human life or behavior.

Does the story offer chiefly escape or interpretation?

I would say the story is certainly interpretive literature. It encapsulates the nature of sinful ideas and behaviors lived out.

How significant is the story’s purpose?

To this question I would ask, significant to whom? I think that the ultimate conclusion that sin is never justified, nor can we get away with it is a radically important topic.

Questions and Definitions from PHCPrep.