House of the Dead by Dostoevsky explores remorse. Observing the condition of his cell mates, Alexander Petrovich states, "I never once saw among these men the slightest sign of remorse, the least gnawing of conscience, and that the majority of them believed themselves to have done nothing wrong," (16).  Petrovich's observation separates him from the other prisoners. Not only does it suggest that he alone is remorseful, but that he is morally superior. Since he is aristocratic, he contends that these men do not feel remorse because they belong to a lower class where men are less sophisticated and educated.  By not detailing his own remorse, however, the reader is forced to question what this moral superiority entails. Is he morally superior by default because of his status? Or is this superiority an illusion? His superiority is an illusion. Every man is capable of remorse. Furthermore, remorse must be especially consuming in prison because the prisoner is constantly reminded where his actions have led him. Petrovich explains there is no remorse because of the men's pride. Many of them want to be regarded as, 'bad,' characters. Revealing remorse would suggest otherwise.  

        I found the theme of how prisoners deal with their guilt to be interesting.  Since there is no apparent outlet or ability to go back and change, how do prisoners move on? I think I would be paralyzed by my guilt. If I were looking at twenty years to life, however, maybe I would just choose to forget. It therefore makes sense when Dostoevsky goes on to describe the men's need for an occupation. Distraction would be a savior. On the other hand, I suppose that is why many prisons allow their convicts to attend religious services. Many prisoners must wish to repent despite Dostoevsky’s. May none of us ever know.