Crime and Punishment is a psychological and philosophical novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that explores the moral dilemmas of crime, guilt, and redemption. Set in 19th-century St. Petersburg, the story follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a former student who commits a murder under the belief that he is intellectually and morally justified. As he grapples with the emotional and psychological consequences of his actions, Raskolnikov is drawn into an intense internal struggle between his desire for justification and the burden of guilt. Through complex characters and profound philosophical dialogues, Dostoyevsky examines themes such as justice, free will, morality, and the possibility of spiritual rebirth. Crime and Punishment remains a cornerstone of world literature, notable for its deep psychological insight and exploration of the human conscience.