Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 3 The Sufferings of a Soul
Overview
During interrogation at Mokroe, Dmitri vehemently denies killing his father while admitting he assaulted Grigory and intended patricide in passion. He claims the disputed 3,000 roubles as his own and grows elated on learning Grigory lives. Grushenka’s emotional outburst and the police captain’s sympathy steady Dmitri, and the inquiry proceeds.
Summary
Mitya erupts during questioning, proclaiming innocence of his father’s blood while confessing violent intent. Grushenka rushes in, blaming herself and begging to be judged with him, but is removed. The prosecutor restrains the police captain’s outburst and the formal interrogation resumes.
Seated with guards behind him, Dmitri fixates on the investigating lawyer’s rings as he tries to compose himself. He declares he is ready to be judged, then insists he is not guilty of patricide but admits, in torment, to attacking another “old man.” When told Grigory is alive, Dmitri’s relief is overwhelming, transforming his demeanor.
Pressed on motives, Dmitri concedes he longed to kill his father, driven by jealousy and money disputes. He states he considered the 3,000 roubles under Fyodor’s pillow his rightful property, even as he acknowledges this admission tells against him. He describes loathing for his father yet rejects the label of penitence, framing his conflict as a tortured pursuit of honor.
Grushenka again breaks down nearby; Dmitri struggles to reach her but is restrained. The police captain returns with compassion, reporting she is safe and urging Dmitri to keep calm for her sake. Dmitri, consoled, extols Grushenka’s love and vows to clear matters quickly.
Recomposed, Dmitri asks for mutual confidence and urges the examiners to focus on facts rather than his inner life. He agrees to proceed, maintaining his denial of patricide while accepting guilt for disorderly violence and the assault on Grigory. The interrogation continues from this steadier footing.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovInterrogated; denies patricide, admits assaulting Grigory, claims 3,000 roubles as his, professes love for Grushenka.
- Grushenka (Agrafena Alexandrovna)Bursts in, blames herself, begs to share Dmitri’s fate; later calmed and removed downstairs.
- Mihail Makarovitch (police captain)First harsh, then compassionate; comforts Grushenka and steadies Dmitri to continue the inquiry.
- Nikolay ParfenovitchInvestigating lawyer; conducts formal questioning, keeps procedure, notes Dmitri’s statements about money and intent.
- Ippolit KirillovitchProsecutor; restrains the captain, outlines facts of the murder scene, steers key evidentiary points.
- MaximovFrightened hanger-on; stays with Grushenka when she is removed from the room.
- KalganovPresent by the window during the interrogation, a silent observer.
- Investigating lawyer’s secretaryRecords Dmitri’s testimony; quiet presence at the table.