Did Raskolnikov Repent?

What would the story of Crime and Punishment be if not for Raskolnikov's final repentance? His contrition for committing the crime restores that essential aspect of hope in an otherwise "depressing" tale. When Raskolnikov technically confesses his guilt in committing the act he is not genuinely repentant for it, but only wishes to relieve some of the agony that has come with keeping the secret for so long. For quite some time in prison as well, he reflects on his crime not with remorse but with examination - he still does not see the sin in his action because he believes he is a "superman" and therefore above the law. However, hope is nearly personified in Sonia, for she is the one without whom Raskolnikov would most likely have never accepted the true weight of what he had done. Because of Sonia's love Raskolnikov is able to look outside of himiself (overcome his pride) and eventually come to humility and true repentance.