In the context of the novel, it is assumed that as a prostitute, Sonia is immoral and not a good Christian. It is therefore very effective for Dostoyevsky to present her as a friend of Raskolnikov, the protagonist who undergoes Christ-like redemption. When he goes to her apartment, it is mentioned that Raskolnikov “[kisses Sonia’s foot]” (320). This image recalls the moment when Jesus kisses the feet of his disciples and suggests that despite her profession, Sonia is worthy of respect. Additionally, whenever God is mentioned, she becomes delirious with "suddenly bright eyes" when she rhetorically asks what she would be without God (323). It is clear that Sonia believes she would be nothing without religion, and her faith in God is illustrated at its peak when she reads the story of Lazarus. Her passion throughout the passage is fanatical and finally culminates when she falls “into a feverish sleep and [dreams]… of reading the Gospel” (330). By making Sonia such a religious person, despite her difficulties, and virtuous despite her profession, Dostoevsky characterizes Sonia as a Mary Magdalene-like figure. In doing so, the work causes a very religious Russian society to return to its core beliefs and turn away from the religious façade practiced by individuals like Alyona for personal gain..