Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
The Gambler — Chapter IX
Overview
The wealthy Grandmother arrives unexpectedly, stunning the General and his circle. She exposes their financial dependence, insults De Griers and Mlle. Blanche, and vows to inspect roulette herself. Taking control, she assigns Alexis as her escort and settles into adjoining rooms, abruptly shifting the household’s power and plans.
Summary
Alexis encounters the formidable Grandmother, Antonida Vassilievna, arriving at the spa in an armchair with full retinue. Recognizing him at once, she orders rooms and demands to be taken to the General’s suite, while Mr. Astley observes with interest.
Borne into the General’s gathering, the Grandmother paralyzes the room: the General is struck dumb, De Griers uneasy, Mlle. Blanche astonished, and Polina composed but shaken. The Grandmother announces she came because of their telegrams expecting her death, pointedly questions De Griers, and brusquely appraises Mlle. Blanche and her mother.
Cutting through the General’s courtesies, she accuses him of waste and roulette addiction, declaring she will see the gaming herself. She derides French flattery, praises English candor in Mr. Astley, and scrutinizes Polina with unexpected warmth.
Refusing to fund the General, the Grandmother asserts independence, orders Potapitch to manage her quarters, and commands Alexis to serve as guide for sights like the Shlangenberg. The scene ends with her retinue departing, the household’s schemes thrown into disarray.
Who Appears
- Antonida Vassilievna Tarassevitcha (The Grandmother)Wealthy matriarch arrives unexpectedly, humiliates the General, mocks De Griers and Blanche, and declares she’ll see roulette.
- Alexis IvanovitchNarrator and tutor; escorts the Grandmother to the family, becomes her chosen guide.
- The GeneralStunned by his mother’s arrival; accused of financial mismanagement and roulette addiction.
- Paulina Alexandrovna (Polina)Calm yet shaken; questioned and praised by the Grandmother for her character.
- Monsieur de GriersFrench advisor; flattery rebuffed as mountebank, visibly uneasy at the power shift.
- Mlle. Blanche de ComingesElegant adventuress appraised and slighted by the Grandmother; follows the party.
- Mr. AstleyEnglishman observing events; earns the Grandmother’s favor with a measured compliment.
- PotapitchGrandmother’s chamberlain; ordered to secure and manage her rooms.
- Prince NilskiYoung Russian prince present; bemused observer of the upheaval.
- TheodosiaChildren’s nurse; briefly addressed and praised as a simple soul.
- Madame de ComingesBlanche’s mother; remains after the procession, largely silent.
- German savantVisiting scholar; watches the scene in astonishment, says little.