The main conflict in Crime and Punishment is the internal development of Raskolnikov's character. In Raskolnikov's mind there are two contrasting personalities, each demanding control over him. One side, highlighted by poverty and selfishness, is the murderer who kills the pawn shop. The other side, inspired by his love for others and his inner goodness, is his benevolent conscience that desires to help those around him. The conflict rages throughout the novel and in the end Raskolnikov's good side prevails as he accepts his guilt, admits that he was wrong, and entrusts his life to Sonia and God. In Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky attempts to portray the complexity of evolution Raskolnikov's mind. A primary vehicle for this task is the use of irony as a literary device. Irony is the contrast between what is said and what is meant, or what happens and what is expected to happen. In verbal irony, characters say the opposite of what they mean. In situational irony the unexpected happens. Crime and Punishment is rich in both verbal and situational irony, as it stimulates critical turning points in Raskolnikov's development, and thus allows Dostoevsky to convey his message that even a murderer can be reformed and purified through guilt and unconditional love for others.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Irony is used for the first time in Marmeladov's ramblings. Marmeledov says: "Crucify me, oh judge... He is the One... He will forgive my Sonia." This statement is ironic, because Marmeladov, despite being a drunk, introduces a primary Christian message of the novel. It also explains the irony of daughter Sonia. Although she is a prostitute, which is considered quite vile, she will be "forgiven by God" because she is a very holy person and the epitome of innocence and purity in the novel. These two concepts are vital to Raskolnikov's transformation later in the novel. They also convey Dostoevsky's strong belief in Christianity and reveal his value system towards some human beings. Situational irony first becomes a key tool in Raskolnikov's plot to kill the pawnbroker. Raskolnikov wavers on his decision. A moment earlier he says to himself: "I'd like to try something like that." After saying this, he turns around and says, “I knew I could never do it.” Raskolnikov is clearly undecided whether or not to commit the murder. However, his indecision is eliminated by the occurrence of two ironic events. First, right after his dream when he states, "My God! I couldn't bring myself to do it... I couldn't do it... I couldn't do it!" he hears Lizaveta say: "Tomorrow at seven... I will come (to the apartment)." This ironic twist of fate makes the pawnshop murder the next day ideal, as his sister Lizaveta would be absent at seven o'clock, and the "old lady would be left alone." Raskolnikov decides that this is a golden opportunity, revealing a substantial change of attitude in Raskolnikov, beginning the development of his dark character. Then Raskolnikov hears a man in the bar say: "I could kill that damned old woman and run away with her money, I assure you, without the slightest pang of conscience." This ironic statement surprises Raskolnikov, since he had "the same idea." It provides another justification for the murder, as Raskolnikov believes that the crime will benefit others. This ironic event is crucial to Raskolnikov's development as it has "a huge influence on him in his later actions". These ironic events allow Raskolnikovto commit the murder of the pawnbroker and begin his long journey of conversion. The irony is evident in the early stages of Raskolnikov's guilt. First, situational irony occurs when Raskolnikov is in the pawnshop's apartment and hears someone knock on the door and say, "Are they sleeping or have they been murdered?" This sparks panic in Raskolnikov and instigates his sense of guilt. A similar case occurs when Raskolnikov receives a "summons to the police office." Immediately Raskolnikov panics and suffers from extreme guilt. He feels remorse not because he believes his murder was wrong, but because he didn't commit it perfectly. The summons is ironic because it is not for the murder but because Raskolnikov is a "beautiful bird" who has not paid his debts. When Raskolnikov finds out, he is overwhelmed with relief and the certainty that his murder was justified. This ironic event reveals Raskolnikov's extreme mental disorder. More importantly, Raskolnikov's guilt is suffered by his selfish and cold side, and the guilt is eliminated when he realizes that he was not caught. This form of guilt recurs throughout the book until the end, supporting Dostoevsky's message that guilt is not constructive until the benevolent party feels guilty. Dostoevsky uses the ironic discussion between Raskolnikov and Zametov to reveal Raskolnikov's duality and also the mental illness caused by the crime. In the bar, after asking Zametov crazy questions about the murder, Raskolnikov asks him: "What if I was the one who killed the old woman?" This is ironic because Zametov has no idea that Raskolnikov committed the murder, and now Raskolnikov risks being captured for leaking his information. Dostoevsky uses this irony to show that guilt causes great pain in Raskolnikov, creating in him the need to confess. This also reinforces the battle over duality within Raskolnikov and creates enormous suspense for the end of the novel. Another important ironic event is the confession of Nikolay's murder. Porifry is fighting Raskolnikov and is about to confess to him when Nikolay bursts into the room and shouts: "I am guilty... I am the murderer!" Dostoevsky thus creates suspense and gives Raskolnikov time to prepare for his confession by talking to Dounia and Sonia. Otherwise Raskolnikov would have confessed and would never have been reformed. Furthermore, Raskolnikov shows no guilt over Nikolay's confession, further revealing the dominance of Raskolnikov's evil side. Irony is present in the conversation between Sonia and Raskolnikov in part four, chapter four. In this scene Raskolnikov verbally attacks Sonia for her religious beliefs, calling her "crazy," suggesting suicide, and stating, "But maybe God doesn't exist at all." This example of verbal irony shows that Raskolnikov is deeply upset, as he had previously decided not to commit suicide, and is usually called "crazy". However, he is intrigued by her strong beliefs and begins to ask her about the killing of the pawnshop and Lizaveta. He explains to her that he has "completely broken up with (his family)." This dramatic irony confuses Sonia, because she does not know that Raskolnikov is the murderer. However, it is used by Dostoevsky to allow Raskolnikov to realize that Sonia is a forgiving person and to develop an interest in Sonia's religion. This leads to Raskolnikov's confession and also his conversion to Christianity. Next, Dostoevsky uses irony in Svidriagailov's description of his love for Dounia to reveal his message that companionship is an important aspect of life. Svidrigailov explains his love for Dounia and, ironically, his description is.