Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Crime and Punishment — Part II — Chapter III
Overview
Raskolnikov emerges from delirium to practical rescue: a remittance from his mother, Razumihin’s devoted care, and relief from a predatory IOU. Raskolnikov’s private panic and flight impulses flare but ebb into sleep. By evening, Razumihin outfits him with new clothes, and an unidentified, familiar stout man arrives, signaling further developments.
Summary
Raskolnikov drifts in and out of feverish delirium for days, dimly aware of visitors and threats, until he fully regains consciousness one morning. Nastasya stands by him with a messenger from the merchant Shelopaev’s office, and the landlady peers in. Razumihin arrives, takes charge, and coaxes Raskolnikov to sign for thirty-five roubles sent by his mother via Vahrushin.
Razumihin feeds Raskolnikov, reports that Zossimov has found nothing seriously wrong, and cheerfully recounts how he tracked Raskolnikov down, befriended the landlady, and learned his affairs. He reveals he retrieved and tore up the IOU from Tchebarov by paying ten roubles, easing Raskolnikov’s debt pressure. Raskolnikov listens warily, answering little.
Left alone, Raskolnikov frantically checks his room for signs of discovery, fears the police know everything, and contemplates fleeing, even abroad. Finding beer, he drinks, grows drowsy, and falls into a deep, restorative sleep, comforted by the improved bedding.
By evening, Razumihin returns with clothes and boots bought with the remittance, changes Raskolnikov’s linen despite his protests, and details the low-cost purchases to set him up respectably. As Raskolnikov sullenly recalls the money’s source, the door opens and a tall, stout, familiar-looking man enters.
Who Appears
- Rodion RaskolnikovEmerges from delirium, signs for a remittance, is nursed by Razumihin, privately panics about discovery, then sleeps and awakens sullen but calmer.
- Dmitri RazumihinDevoted friend; arranges doctor visits, feeds Raskolnikov, resolves the IOU with Tchebarov, buys clothes with the remittance, manages the household.
- NastasyaServant who tends Raskolnikov, brings food, tea, and beer; amused and supportive, assists Razumihin with care.
- Praskovya Pavlovna (Pashenka)Landlady who peeks in, now cooperative with Razumihin; had considered eviction but relents after IOU issue is resolved.
- Messenger from Shelopaev’s officeDelivers thirty-five roubles from Raskolnikov’s mother via Vahrushin and obtains his signature.
- Unidentified tall, stout manArrives at the end; looks familiar to Raskolnikov, suggesting a forthcoming conversation.