The use of doubles is widespread in the writings of Fyodor Dostoyevsky. He uses this device to force comparison and discernment between characters and modes of behavior. In Crime and Punishment, the character of Svidrigaylov serves as Raskolnikov's dark double. While both are tainted by the sin of their crimes, the latter finds redemption, while the former finds only despair and suicide. This criminal pair closely resembles another famous group of doubles: the apostles Peter and Judas. Although each member of these two couples commits the same crime as their double, only one finds redemption. Dostoyevsky's text and the Gospel accounts indicate that humility and self-effacement are the key elements of salvation. The first couple in this discussion is Peter and Judas, about whom the least information is written and who are therefore the easiest couple to analyze. First, it is important to note that the gospels were written by authors sympathetic to Peter and not Judas, so Judas should be given the benefit of the doubt in some cases. Both Peter and Judas were given positions of authority among the apostles. Peter was called to be the spokesperson and Judas carried the purse. Judas chose to betray Jesus. We don't know exactly what his reason was, although Luke tells us that "Satan entered into Judas." 1 Judas might have acted out of self-preservation if he suspected the end was near for Jesus anyway. It is quite possible that Judas agreed with Caiaphas and felt that it was better “that one man should die for all the people.” 2 It's ironic, and a good example of Johannine humor, how right was Caiaphas? a man died, Christ “by whom we are freed.” 3 Judas received 30 pieces of silver from the chief priests as payment for his ...... middle of paper ...... being the last. Works Cited Dostoyevsky, Fyodor. Crime and punishment. New York: WW Norton and Company, 1989. The Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version 1611, The World Publishing Co., Cleveland. Notes: 1. Luke 22:32. John 18:143. Colossians 1:144. Mark 14:215. Matthew 26:256. Matthew 27:3-57. Hebrews 7:268. Hebrews 7:279. Hebrews 7:2810. Luke 22:31-3211. Luke 22:3312. Matthew 26:3813. Matthew 26:4114. Mark 14:7115. Luke 22:61-6216. John 21:717. John 21:15-1718. Romans 5:1219. Romans 5:1820. Crime and Punishment p. 23821. ibid. 23822. ibid. 23723. Philippians 2:824. Philippians 2:925. Luke 24: 2626. Crime and Punishment p.43227. Crime and Punishment p. 34828. ibid. 34829. ibid.. 354