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Abstract:

The article examines the final journey of Svidrigailov and the story of his soul’s transformations as revealed through his dreams. It introduces the concept of a “second protagonist.” Ancient archetypes underlying modern characters are explored. The study shows how, in Dostoevsky’s symbolic system, the comic, satirical, and mocking often conceal the highest, deepest, and celestial elements; how a criminal act turns out to be an ancient Eleusinian myth, and how an “innocent” infant becomes an ancient demonic temptress. The article demonstrates how Dostoevsky reveals the posthumous fate of his character through inner imagery—and how this fate is more optimistic than is commonly believed. It also addresses the question of whether Svidrigailov’s suicide can be viewed as a heroic act.

Keywords: Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment, Svidrigailov, paganism, Eleusinian mysteries, suicide, sinner, benevolent fornicator, second protagonist.