Crime and Punishment is included among the great books of the world. Apparently, it is a work of fiction with imaginary characters and situations but in reality, it is much more than a novel. The philosophy of existence (Existentialism) has much to do with this book. All the major themes of Existentialism can be found and understood through this work of fiction. Human freedom, choice, authority of the self and the consequences of an existential choice etc. - all the major themes of Existentialism are indirectly present in the plot, story and the characters of the novel. Interestingly the novel can be interpreted through theistic Existential approach and also through the atheistic one. The crime, the punishment, the sin and the forgiveness – all extraordinary themes and topics can be seen and comprehended through the course of the events presented in this book.
Keywords: Existentialism, Human freedom, Choice, Crime, Punishment, Sin, Forgiveness.
