PART II, CHAPTER 5

Summary

Peter Petrovich Luzhin, Dounia's fiancé, enters Raskolnikov's room. Raskolnikov treats him disrespectfully. Luzhin tells Raskolnikov that he has found accommodations for Dounia and Pulcheria Alexandrovna in a certain house. Razumihin remarks that Bakaleyev's house is a place of ill-repute.

Zossimov and Razumihin continue their conversation regarding the murders. Razumihin reveals that Porfiry Petrovitch, the police detective, has begun interrogating all of Alena Ivanovna's clients. Their names were written on the paper their pledges were wrapped in. He also tells how the murderer had taken about 20 rubles worth of goods, but had missed 1,500 rubles in cash, which was kept in the top drawer of the chest of drawers.

Luzhin directs the conversation towards the topic of social and economic problems in Russia. Raskolnikov asks Luzhin whether he had really rejoiced over Dounia's poverty, as he wanted to play the role of a benefactor. Luzhin asserts that Raskolnikov's mother has given her son the wrong idea about him (Luzhin) in her letter. Raskolnikov insults Luzhin and rudely orders him to leave. Luzhin turns pale and leaves. Now in a state of frenzy, Raskolnikov asks Razumihin and Zossimov to leave him alone. Zossimov concludes that something is weighing on Raskolnikov's mind. He realizes that Raskolnikov is indifferent to everything except for the murder.

Notes

Luzhin, who was mentioned in Pulcheria Alexandrovna's letter to Raskolnikov, now makes an appearance. He appears vain and foppish, and is satirically described as a bridegroom, as he appears in fine clothes. Raskolnikov is not impressed by Luzhin's appearance. He is further hurt when he learns that Luzhin has acquired cheap lodgings for his mother and sister in a place that is thought to be a brothel. He questions Luzhin about the condescending manner in which he intends to treat Dounia. Luzhin displays bad conduct in laying the blame on Raskolnikov's mother. Luzhin is obviously upset after listening to Raskolnikov and he is forced to leave.

Razumihin mentions Porfiry's investigations into the murders. Raskolnikov feels obliged to report later at the police station, as his name is likely to be on one of the pledge wrappings in Alena Ivanovna's house. Zossimov and Razumihin begin to suspect that Raskolnikov has something to do with the murders. His unseemly interest in the murders and disinterest in other matters arouse their suspicion.

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