Finally, Dostoevsky, who is not impressed with modern western thought, uses Raskolnikov to disprove Hegelian philosophy. Remember, Hegel's theory is that thesis generates antithesis and eventually creates a synthesis of the two. Raskolnikov never reaches that point of synthesis. He wrestles with his emotions and his intellect without resolving the conflict.

Dostoevsky suggests that all theories fall flat when confronted with the messiness that is life.

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