Universally feared, pain and suffering are generally hated and avoided at all costs. Raskolnikov is humanized in Crime and Punishment due to his fear of and avoidance of suffering. However, due to the social and economic ruin of Russia over the course of the novel, many characters seek suffering. Inspired by Christianity and the self-sacrifice of the Savior, people turn to religion as a security blanket that gives meaning to their existence. These characters not only welcome suffering, but also seek it out and throw themselves into adversity. Ironically for the time, the female characters in the book represent Christian symbols, sacrificing themselves for what they love. Raskolnikov's own sister, Dunya, acquires a very Christ-like position due to her great self-sacrifice. Having grown up in the same environmental situations as Raskolnikov, there is still a distinctive difference in their personalities. This difference allows Dunya to be adored by those around her, unlike Raskolnikov who, at school, was mentioned as having “no friends…” and “no one liked him” (63). Here Raskolnikov's differentiation from society is clearly demonstrated. Dunya takes her role one step further and is described as someone who "demands to accept torment for the sake of someone else as quickly as possible." (567). The connotation of the word “requirements” expresses the obligation that she herself has to undergo trials. The word “quickly” shows how frantic his need to suffer for others is. Sonya is a similar woman who also craves suffering. This is clearly confirmed by her activity as a prostitute. A prostitute usually sacrifices everything she physically possesses for the sake of others. His life is lean... middle of paper... it's a real pleasure! (575). This simple pleasure is for Svidrigailov a way of enjoying suffering without harming himself. Like Raskolnikov, this comes from his subconscious need to experience repercussions. Suffering is highly idealized as a positive situation in St. Petersburg, Russia, during this difficult time. Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov find their positions aggravating and painful. Those around them accept suffering in struggle and with pride. Yet these two can't let down their walls and let in the punishment. Raskolnikov therefore suffers enormously from the lack of air and sinks even further into delirium. His vital function begins to weaken. Both men are lost, Raskolnikov in his failed theories and Svidrigailov in the trials of his being. Eventually, suffering reaches a point where action must be taken so that everything follows its natural course...