PART IV, CHAPTER 3

Summary

Even as he leaves Pulcheria Alexandrovna's lodgings, Luzhin believes that he can sort out his differences with Dounia in a day's time.

Dounia admits to Raskolnikov that she was tempted to marry Luzhin for his money. Raskolnikov tells Dounia that Svidrigailov had offered to give her 10,000 rubles, which he had rejected on Dounia's behalf. He warns Dounia that Svidrigailov's plans are most likely evil in nature.

Razumihin talks of his idea of opening a publishing house, and Dounia thinks this is wonderful. Raskolnikov gets ready to leave and tells Dounia and his mother that it would be better if they did not see him for some time, as he wishes to be alone. He tells them that when he needs them, he will come of his own accord. Dounia and Pulcheria Alexandrovna are very upset. Dounia accuses Raskolnikov of being unfeeling, but Razumihin declares that Raskolnikov is mad. When Razumihin leaves the room to follow Raskolnikov, Raskolnikov sends him back and asks him to stay with Dounia and Pulcheria Alexandrovna always. He asks Razumihin not to visit him. He looks intently into Razumihin's eyes until Razumihin begins to understand that something "terrible and monstrous" has happened. Razumihin returns to Dounia and her mother and from that evening he becomes like "a son and a brother to them."

Notes

Luzhin's belief that he can win back Dounia shows how impractical and stubborn he can be. Raskolnikov's warning to Dounia about Svidrigailov is not heeded by Dounia because she later goes to meet Svidrigailov (in Part VI, Chapter 5) and is nearly brought to grief. One can observe Dounia's growing regard for Razumihin by the fact that she thinks his plan to open a publishing company is a fine one.

Raskolnikov, once again, feels the need to be alone. It is only Razumihin who finally understands this need of his. It is suggested that Razumihin becomes aware of Raskolnikov's crime when Raskolnikov looks directly into Razumihin's eyes in the corridor. As a murderer, Raskolnikov becomes a social outcast, and he must wrestle with his conscience until he is free of the sense of guilt. In the meantime, Razumihin must look after Dounia and her mother because Raskolnikov is unable to fulfill his duties as a son and a brother.

Table of Contents | Printable Version | Barron's Booknotes