Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 5 The Confession of a Passionate Heart — “Heels Up”
Overview
Dmitri reveals Katerina’s proposal, their formal betrothal, and Ivan’s hidden love, then confesses squandering Katerina’s 3,000 roubles during a spree with Grushenka. Desperate to repay, he sends Alyosha to beg Fyodor for money, exposing Fyodor’s secret 3,000 for Grushenka. Dmitri waits in dread, fearing he could kill his father if Grushenka visits.
Summary
Dmitri continues his tale, describing how Katerina Ivanovna repaid the change from his banknote, then later, after a sudden inheritance in Moscow, wrote proposing marriage and devoting herself to him. Dmitri answered tearfully and involved Ivan, recognizing that Ivan fell in love with Katerina.
He and Katerina became formally betrothed. Dmitri admits self-contempt and believes Katerina prizes virtue over him. He now sends Alyosha to tell Katerina, “He sends his compliments,” effectively breaking with her because of his overpowering passion for Grushenka.
Dmitri confesses he spent the 3,000 roubles Katerina entrusted him to remit to Moscow during a three‑day spree with Grushenka at Mokroe, though he insists he is not a thief. He describes Grushenka’s mercenary reputation and his willingness to abase himself to remain near her.
Seeking to repay the money, Dmitri urges Alyosha to ask their father, Fyodor, for 3,000 roubles, arguing a moral debt remains from their mother’s fortune. Dmitri reveals Fyodor has secretly prepared 3,000 roubles for Grushenka and plans to send Ivan away on timber business so she can come.
Dmitri is hiding nearby, with only Smerdyakov aware of his watch; Smerdyakov will alert him if Grushenka goes to Fyodor. Dmitri vows to stop her and, in a surge of loathing, fears he might murder Fyodor if the meeting occurs. Alyosha departs, trusting Providence, to petition their father.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovConfesses Katerina’s proposal and their betrothal; admits love for Grushenka; squandered Katerina’s 3,000; plots repayment; fears killing Fyodor.
- Alyosha (Alexey) KaramazovListens, counsels mercy, and agrees to ask Fyodor for 3,000 and to deliver Dmitri’s parting message to Katerina.
- Katerina IvanovnaBenefactress-turned-fiancée; proposed marriage after inheritance; entrusted Dmitri with 3,000 he failed to remit.
- Grushenka (Agrafena Alexandrovna)Object of Dmitri’s obsession; joined him in a spree; may visit Fyodor for his secret 3,000.
- Fyodor Pavlovich KaramazovHolds 3,000 for Grushenka; plans Ivan’s trip to lure her; target of Dmitri’s rising murderous loathing.
- Ivan KaramazovSent by Dmitri to Katerina earlier; secretly in love with her; being dispatched by Fyodor on timber business.
- SmerdyakovFyodor’s trusted valet; told Dmitri about the secret money; will alert him if Grushenka visits.
- FomaAcquaintance providing a room; unknowingly shelters Dmitri while he watches for Grushenka.