Unveiling Makarov’s Cryptic Command- Why He Urged ‘Remember No Russian’

Why does Makarov say “Remember no Russian”? This question arises from the intriguing dialogue in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel “Crime and Punishment,” where the character Raskolnikov, a troubled and morally conflicted young man, engages in a profound conversation with his friend, Porfiry Petrovich, who is a police investigator. Makarov, a character who appears later in the novel, plays a pivotal role in Raskolnikov’s development and understanding of his own actions. The significance of Makarov’s statement lies in its profound impact on Raskolnikov’s perception of himself and his society, as well as the broader implications of guilt, identity, and national identity in the context of 19th-century Russia. This article will explore the reasons behind Makarov’s statement and its implications for the novel’s themes.