Often in literature, a minor character who appears only briefly nevertheless has a significant effect on aspects of the work such as the theme and development of other characters . This is especially true in the case of Marmeladov, the alcoholic former employee of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. A dominant theme of the novel is that of moral redemption through suffering. Raskolnikov, who commits a heinous crime because he believes himself to be above morality, is plagued by fear and guilt because of his actions. Although he pays no attention to it at the time, early in the novel Raskolnikov is exposed by Marmeladov to the concept of divine forgiveness. Over the course of the novel, Raskolnikov must realize that his feelings of guilt will only be relieved when he confesses his sins and finds faith in God. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay It is significant that Marmeladov is introduced at the very beginning of the novel. Dostoyevsky thus prepares the ground for Raskolnikov's eventual spiritual awakening. When Raskolnikov enters the bar, he has just set in motion his plot to kill the old pawnbroker. Thus, during their first meetings, Marmeladov serves as Raskolnikov's conscience, proclaiming in flowery language that God will forgive all old sinners on Judgment Day. He is sure that at the Resurrection, God will receive him and the other "children of shame", because "...none of them believed themselves worthy of this" (Dostoyevsky 27). This suggests that the only path to redemption in Dostoevsky's world is through humility, a characteristic that Raskolnikov certainly lacks at this point in the novel. It is clear that Marmeladov's philosophical statements are not taken seriously by his listeners because of his appearance. Not only is he drunk, but he is dirty and dressed in rags. It is difficult to grant credulity to a speaker thus equipped, and so it is no wonder that Raskolnikov pities his new friend rather than seriously considering all he has to say. In this way, the sensitive and righteous side of Raskolnikov's nature is revealed, especially when he places on the windowsill of Marmeladov's room the money that he himself needs. Nevertheless, despite his rare acts of kindness, the character of Raskolnikov, who is young, arrogant and irreverent, offers a direct contrast to that of Marmeladov, who is old, humble and pious. The only traits these two characters have in common are poverty and guilt. Yet while Marmeladov adamantly states that poverty is not a sin and instead resigns himself to his feelings of guilt for reducing his family to utter poverty and his daughter to a life of prostitute, Raskolnikov loathes his own lack of money and is obsessed with guilt. The difference between the two is that, although a sinner, Marmeladov admits it and repents. In comparison, Raskolnikov believes that he will simply “get well and not worry” once his crime is committed (Dostoyevsky 99). Significantly, before murdering Alyona Ivanovna, Raskolnikov justifies his crime by arguing that his death will benefit many others and that as a superman he should not be subject to the moral law. In particular, if he becomes financially independent, his sister will not have to sacrifice herself for him by marrying Pjotr ​​Petrovich. This is why he pursues murder, even though, unlike Marmeladov, he has somewhere to turn: his mother and sister. Nevertheless, after committing the crime and inadvertently murdering an innocent woman in the form of Lizaveta, he is unable to deal with his feelings of remorse. In short, despite its dark.