Crime and Punishment: Part 5, Chapter 5

Key Events

• Lebeziatnikov's Arrival:

  • Reports that Katerina Ivanovna has lost her mind.
  • She has taken her children to the streets.

• Sonia's Response:

  • Rushes out to find Katerina Ivanovna and the children.

• Raskolnikov's Regret:

  • Returns to his room, feeling guilt for complicating Sonia's life.
  • Realizes that confessing has increased suffering for both him and Sonia.
  • Feels deep loneliness, resolves to spare Sonia by going to Siberia alone.

Interactions with Dunja

• Dunja's Visit:
  • Aware that Raskolnikov is suspected of the murders, but unaware he is the killer.
  • Informed by Razumihin that Raskolnikov is persecuted by police.
  • Offers support and forgiveness, opens her door to him if he needs help.
  • Raskolnikov expresses admiration for Razumikhin.
  • Says goodbye to Dunja as if it's a final farewell.

Streets and Katerina Ivanovna

• Raskolnikov Wanders:

  • Feels isolated, akin to being in prison already.

• Encounter with Katerina Ivanovna:

  • Lebeziatnikov finds Raskolnikov, they go to see Katerina.
  • Katerina forces her children to perform in the streets for money.
  • Performance interrupted by a policeman; children flee.
  • Katerina collapses due to illness and is carried to Sonia's room.
  • Refuses last rites, believing God knows her suffering.
  • Dies in the presence of her children, asking for Sonia.

Svidrigailov's Offer

• Generosity and Motives:

  • Offers to pay for Katerina Ivanovna's funeral and support the children.
  • Intends to help Sonia escape her life as a prostitute.
  • Raskolnikov questions the sincerity of Svidrigailov's motives.

• Character Contradictions:

  • Alternates between generosity and manipulation.
  • Suggests a future friendship with Raskolnikov.
  • Reveals he overheard Raskolnikov's confession.

Themes

• Isolation and Suffering:

  • Raskolnikov's internal conflict and growing isolation.
  • The impact of guilt on relationships and personal decisions.

• Generosity vs. Manipulation:

  • Svidrigailov's dual nature, oscillating between kindness and control.

• Pride and Redemption:

  • Katerina Ivanovna's refusal of a priest emphasizes pride and personal redemption.