Crime and Punishment: The importance of the epilogue The epilogue of the novel, Crime and Punishment, is a much criticized and misunderstood aspect of the novel by Doestevsky. The truth is that this is essential to understanding the story and central themes. Raskolnikov moves from a state of Russian nihilism and fully emboldened by his theory to a state in which he finally admits, to himself, that he has committed a crime and that he has made a mistake not only in the eyes of the law but also in his own eyes - according to his own moral code. This is seen in his dream. He realizes the full implications of his theory. His journey toward redemption has now brought him to the point where he can begin to regain his spiritual well-being. Dostoevsky's goal has now also been achieved. He wrote a story to warn young people of the danger of Russian nihilism that he saw invading his environment. The final installment of this work also serves to further illustrate how the love between Raskolnikov and Sonia, with their very different perspectives on life, is at the heart of the story. This is the central point, and without this important aspect, the story would not have been as successful. Dostoyevsky embodies everything he considers good in Sonia's character and actions. He obviously believes deeply in religion as an excellent and beneficial force for existence. He believes in charity and self-sacrifice, even altruism. Forgiveness and understanding are also primordial virtues that characterize Sonia's character. It is these characteristics that D. strives to show that can bring redemption to R. Through his memory of the dream and the scene where he falls at Sonia's feet and hugs her, finally beginning to truly love her , we see a changed man. A man for whom there is hope.