Crime and Punishment - Part 4, Chapter 2 & 3

Chapter 2

Key Events:

• Location and Characters:

  • Razumihin and Raskolnikov visit Dunya and Pulcheria's apartment.
  • Luzhin, the bureaucrat, is unhappy to see Raskolnikov there.

• Svidrigailov's Alleged Crimes:

  • Luzhin describes allegations against Svidrigailov: a rape and two brutal deaths.
  • Alleged victims include a young, deaf, and mute girl, and a footman—both socially vulnerable.
  • Raskolnikov hears about these alleged crimes for the first time.

• Family Dynamics:

  • Raskolnikov announces Svidrigailov's visit to him and Marfa Petrovna's financial gift to Dunya.
  • Dunya explains inviting her brother, wanting fair judgment.
  • She is ready to make Raskolnikov apologize if he insulted Luzhin.
  • Dunya appeals to Luzhin’s supposed good nature to make peace.

• Conflict with Luzhin:

  • Luzhin is offended by Dunya’s prioritization of her brother.
  • Pulcheria confronts Luzhin about false claims in his letter about Raskolnikov.
  • Luzhin’s assumption of their financial dependence is exposed.
  • Dunya breaks the engagement with Luzhin over his selfishness and commodification view of women.
  • Luzhin leaves with a grudge against Raskolnikov.

Chapter 3

Key Events:

• Svidrigailov's Proposal:

  • Raskolnikov informs Dunya of Svidrigailov’s wish to meet and give her money, frightening her.

• Razumihin's Plan:

  • Suggests a publishing venture for Raskolnikov, Dunya, and himself, using Dunya’s inheritance.
  • Raskolnikov initially likes the idea but then has a change of heart.

• Raskolnikov's Internal Conflict:

  • He declares a desire to separate from his family, warning he’ll hate them if they don’t leave him alone.
  • His family is devastated, with his mother particularly affected.
  • Dunya accuses him of being wicked and heartless.

• Razumikhin’s Observation:

  • He reminds Dunya that Raskolnikov is troubled, not heartless.
  • Raskolnikov hints they’d be better without him and implies he might have done something terrible.
  • Entrusts Razumikhin with the care of Dunya and Pulcheria.
  • Razumikhin suspects Raskolnikov might be the murderer or guilty of another major wrongdoing.