PART VI, CHAPTER 1

Summary

Over the next few days, Raskolnikov is tormented by fears and worries. He attends a service for Katerina Ivanovna at Sonia's house, where Svidrigailov tells him that he has to place the three children in suitable orphanages. Before Raskolnikov leaves, Sonia takes both his hands in hers and leans her head on his shoulder. Raskolnikov is deeply touched by this gesture of affection.

Razumihin visits Raskolnikov and tells him that he is crazy. He does not like the fact that Raskolnikov has abandoned his mother and sister. Razumihin says that he (Razumihin) is going to become an alcoholic. Raskolnikov prevents Razumihin from thinking this way by telling him that Dounia probably loves him. Razumihin informs Raskolnikov that Dounia received a mysterious letter that seems to have troubled her immensely.

After Razumihin has left, Raskolnikov begins to worry about Porfiry and Svidrigailov. He is filled with hatred for the both of them. Porfiry unexpectedly arrives for what, apparently, will be a showdown with Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov's fear of Porfiry has temporarily vanished. He wishes that Porfiry deal directly with him.

Notes

Svidrigailov does perform a good deed by putting Katerina Ivanovna's children into orphanages, but he may have done this only to try to mislead Raskolnikov into believing that he (Svidrigailov) is now a good man. At the service for her dead stepmother, Sonia shows that she still cares for Raskolnikov, despite the fact that she knows he is a murderer. Raskolnikov is amazed at her capacity to love.

Razumihin threatens to take to drink because he cannot understand Raskolnikov's behavior. Raskolnikov shows that he still cares for his friend when he prevents Razumihin from ruining himself. Raskolnikov suspects that Dounia has received a letter from Svidrigailov.

Porfiry's arrival sets the scene for a final confrontation between him and Raskolnikov. Raskolnikov now seems less afraid to face Porfiry and the consequences of his crime.

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