Crime and Punishment — Part VI — Chapter V

Raskolnikov follows Svidrigaïlov, suspecting renewed designs on Dounia. At Svidrigaïlov’s lodging, Raskolnikov turns away in disgust, unaware Svidrigaïlov slips out and heads toward the bridge, where Dounia appears and, at his urging, avoids her brother and meets him.

Svidrigaïlov pressures Dounia to come to his rooms, promising explanations with papers and Sonia’s presence. In his flat, he shows the adjacent empty rooms and admits he eavesdropped on Sonia and Raskolnikov, hearing a full confession: Rodion killed the pawnbroker Alyona and Lizaveta for robbery and hid the spoils.

Shattered, Dounia demands to see Sonia; when Svidrigaïlov claims Sonia is out, she accuses him of lying. He urges caution, claiming he can save Raskolnikov by sending him abroad, but only if Dounia yields to him. He locks the door, arguing she cannot safely accuse him without destroying her brother.

Dounia produces a revolver taken from Marfa Petrovna, threatens to kill him, and accuses him of poisoning his wife. Svidrigaïlov advances; she fires, grazing his head, then a second shot misfires. Facing his grim resolve, she throws the weapon away.

Overcome by emotion, Svidrigaïlov asks if Dounia can ever love him; when she says never, he relents. He places the key on the table and orders her to leave. Dounia flees. Afterward he cleans his wound, pockets the revolver, and goes out.