Dostoyevsky did an excellent job in choosing to mention the philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, in his novel Crime and Punishment. It seemed to me as though Nietzsche was a complete resemblance of Raskolnikov. They both witnessed the whipping of a mare. Ironic? Even more so they both tried to protect it. Aww, how sweet. In 1889, Nietzsche suffered a mental collapse when approached by two policemen after causing a public disturbance. Reminds you of somebody? That's right, Raskolnikov! He, on several occasions, mentally collapses at the mentioning of the murder. Oh yeah and duh, both were diagnosed or at least thought of to have a mental illness. Is that enough connections for you?
Existentialism is applied to the work of philosophers focused on the condition of human existence. This term relates to Nietzsche whose influence on it remains "substantial within and beyond philosophy". Existential philosophers are more focused on subjective topics such as emotions (freedom, pain, guilt, and regret). Once again, EXACT correlation to Raskolnikov and the way he's been feeling. Especially now since he almost finds himself confessing to the murder, his guilt is stronger than ever. I guess you can consider this an "existential crisis". But then he moves more towards a Christian Orthodox worldview which is present in this part of the reading. He commands Sonya to read him the story of Lazarus which carries a deep significance to them both. Stubborn 'ol Raskolniko, however, claims not to believe in the story. Typical!
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