Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Book V Pro and Contra
Overview
Alyosha recounts Captain Snegiryov’s refusal and reasons that pride will let the captain accept the money tomorrow. He and Lise confess love, kiss, and become engaged, while Alyosha reveals inner doubts and Zossima’s impending death. Madame Hohlakov overhears, opposes the match, and Katerina Ivanovna lies dangerously ill.
Summary
Alyosha arrives to find Madame Hohlakov alarmed: Katerina Ivanovna’s hysterics have turned to fever, aunts are present, and Doctor Herzenstube is summoned. Sent to Lise, Alyosha recounts Captain Snegiryov’s trampling of the money and analyzes the captain’s shame and pride, concluding this will let Snegiryov accept the 200 roubles tomorrow with honor.
Lise is moved by Alyosha’s insight and compassion. They discuss treating people like the sick, and Lise apologizes for past teasing. Mutual affection surfaces; they hold hands, kiss once, and Lise declares willingness to yield to Alyosha in all things, while he promises to do his duty in important matters.
Alyosha admits private grief, his brothers’ and father’s destructive impulses, and hints at shaken faith as Father Zossima nears death. Lise dreams of their future, even trivial details like his clothes, and vows not to spy after first jesting she would; Alyosha plans to leave the monastery and marry, choosing Lise.
As Alyosha departs, Madame Hohlakov confronts him, having overheard. She condemns the engagement, threatens to remove Lise, and demands Lise’s letter, which Alyosha refuses to show. Madame Hohlakov reports Katerina Ivanovna remains delirious and Herzenstube distressed. Alyosha hurries away to return to his dying elder.
Who Appears
- Alexey (Alyosha) KaramazovRecounts Snegiryov’s refusal, plans to return with money, confesses love to Lise, reveals inner doubts, hurries back to dying Zossima.
- Lise HohlakovMoved by Alyosha’s story; apologizes, confesses love, exchanges a kiss; they become engaged; vows devotion, wrestles with jealousy and conscience.
- Madame HohlakovAlarmed over Katerina’s fever; overhears the engagement; confronts Alyosha and opposes the match; demands to see Lise’s letter.
- Katerina IvanovnaOffstage but central; collapses into delirious fever after hysterics; aunts attend; her condition heightens household turmoil.
- Father ZossimaAlyosha’s revered elder, near death; his impending loss deepens Alyosha’s spiritual anguish.
- Captain SnegiryovDiscussed at length; trampled on the money from shame and pride; expected to accept it tomorrow with honor restored.
- Doctor HerzenstubeSummoned for Katerina Ivanovna; so alarmed by her condition that he must be sent home.