A Story of Sonya Marmeladova’s Love
"A Story of Sonya Marmeladova’s Love", acrylic on canvas, 2022, Bishop Maxim
In Crime and Punishment, Sonya appears as the antithesis of Raskolnikov. At the same time, an “easy woman” and a saint, Sonya accepts her existence as a long way to martyrdom. Having learned about Raskolnikov’s crime, she does not give up. Still, she takes on the salvation of his soul in an unforgettable scene when she teaches Raskolnikov with her Bible, recounting the event of Lazarus’ resurrection. Sonya can forgive Raskolnikov because she believes that God forgives.