Crime and Punishment as it relates to my big question..

What are the potential conflicts when one person's reality is another's illusion?

The book's entire plot is centered around Raskolnikov's initial illusion, his Napoleonic drive that he later reveals to Sonya towards the end, which motivates him to kill Alyona and consequently resulting in the death of Lizaveta as well. Alyona is living in reality, in her very real life, that is abrubtly interrupted by Raskolnikov's illusionary motivations. Without much defense, both women instantly have their organized reality powerfully overtaken by Raskolnikov's forcive illusion.

Not only does Rodya posess the "superman" ideaology, he also has a very real, rational side to his character, which poses an interesting paradox within the novel. This dichotomy within the protagonist is elegant, that he can defend killing for the betterment of society, simultaneously finding no justification for committing such an act. Thus, another universal truth can be derived, when reality and illusion exist together, they are constantly in competition, and no tie between the two exists.

Finally, the reality of Raskolnikov's situation is highlighted by his dreams, His extremely real reality is mirrored by his desires, illusions in his dreaming, altered state of consciousness, which is in iteslf an illusion. The potential conflict is obvious, with such opposite, strong and competing ideas, it is no wonder that he it ultimately driven to confess.

Reality and illusion may coexist, though one ultimately prevails.