Universally feared, pain and suffering are typically loathed and avoided at all costs. Raskolnikov is humanized in Crime and Punishment because of his fear of suffering and avoidance. However, due to the social and economic ruin of Russia during the novel's setting, many characters seek suffering. Inspired by Christianity and the Savior's self-denial, people turn to religion as a security blanket, adding meaning to their existence. These characters not only welcome suffering, but seek it and throw themselves into adversity. Ironically for the time, the female characters in the book represent Christian symbols, sacrificing themselves for what they love. Raskolnikov's sister Dunya acquires a very Christ-like position thanks to her extensive self-denial. Having grown up in the same environmental situations as Raskolnikov, there is still a distinctive difference in their personalities. This difference allows Dunya to be adored by those around her, unlike Raskolnikov who, at school, was told that he "had no friends..." and "no one liked him" (63). Here Raskolnikov's differentiation from society is clearly demonstrated. Dunya takes her role a step further and is described as someone who "demands to accept torment for the sake of someone else as quickly as possible." (567). The connotation of the word “needs” conveys the obligation that she herself has assumed to endure difficulties. The word “soon” shows how frantic his need to suffer for others is. Such a woman who also craves suffering is Sonya. This is clearly validated by her occupation as a prostitute. A prostitute typically sacrifices everything she has physically for the good of others. His life is miserable... middle of paper... it's a real pleasure!” (575). This simple pleasure is Svidrigailov's way of enjoying suffering without getting hurt. Like Raskolnikov, it arises from his subconscious need to experience repercussions. Suffering is highly idealized as a positive situation in St. Petersburg, Russia, in this difficult time. Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov find their positions aggravating and painful. Those around them endure suffering in conflict and with pride. But these two fail to break down their barriers and allow the punishment. As a result, Raskolnikov suffers greatly from lack of air and increasingly falls into delirium. His vital function begins to falter. The two men are lost, Raskolnikov in his failed theories and Svidrigailov in the proofs of his being. Eventually the suffering reaches a point where action is necessary for everything to follow its natural course.