"Numerological Code in Dostoevsky's ""Crime and Punishment"

First two chapters provide a firm historical basis for the study of numerological codes. Chapter Three shows the various symbolic meanings of the apocalyptic number 7, which serves as evidence of Dostoevsky's deliberate use of numerological codes throughout his works. The chapters that follow are devoted to an analysis of Crime and Punishment, in which certain numbers are repeated throughout the text. These repetitions are not random, they are carefully planned numerological devices used symbolically by Dostoevsky to underline his major themes. This study reveals the number 4 as a symbol, which relates the Raskolnikov story to that of Lazarus. An analysis of the many meaningful numbers in Sonya story shows the clear parallel between her story and that of Christ, especially, His Passion. The role of the number 9 is crucial in bringing together in the Epilogue the various symbolic sequences scattered throughout the text of the novel, especially those that stand for spiritual gestation and rebirth.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Slavic Languages and Literature

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Kim, Jung Ah

Contributors dc:contributor

• Richard Tempest

• Literature, Slavic and East European

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3023094

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87648