Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 2 Lyagavy
Overview
Dmitri sells his watch, borrows small sums, and races to meet the timber-dealer Lyagavy, only to find him dead drunk and unreachable all night. Near suffocation from fumes, Dmitri awakens to more obstruction and grasps that Samsonov has duped him. Defeated but desperate, he rushes back to town, vowing to secure the 3,000 roubles and check on Grushenka.
Summary
Needing money for posting-horses, Dmitri Karamazov sells his broken silver watch to a Jewish watchmaker and borrows three roubles from his sympathetic landlords, collecting nine roubles total. He hurries toward Volovya, obsessed with returning the same night to guard against Grushenka possibly going to Fyodor Pavlovitch.
Delayed by a longer route and a missing host, Dmitri finds a cautious priest at Ilyinskoe who leads him on foot to Suhoy Possyolok, warning that the peasant-trader is called Gorstkin, not Lyagavy. In the forester’s overheated hut, Dmitri discovers Lyagavy insensibly drunk and cannot rouse him despite frantic efforts. Advised to wait, Dmitri keeps vigil but nearly suffocates from stove fumes, revives the man uselessly, and finally collapses into sleep.
In the morning Lyagavy is drunk again and belligerent, denying all dealings. Dmitri suddenly realizes Samsonov likely tricked him, and that waiting is futile. Leaving payment for his lodging, he wanders out, then secures a ride with an old merchant back to Volovya.
Starving, Dmitri wolfs down food and vodka, and his spirits briefly lift. During the drive to town he forges an “unalterable” plan to obtain the 3,000 roubles that day, scorning the sum yet tormented by thoughts of Grushenka. He arrives and runs straight to her.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovDesperate to raise 3,000 roubles; chases Lyagavy, endures delays, near suffocation, realizes Samsonov’s trick, and rushes back to town.
- Lyagavy (Gorstkin)Peasant timber-dealer; found dead drunk, uncooperative, and abusive, thwarting Dmitri’s plan.
- Priest from IlyinskoeCautious cleric who guides Dmitri to Suhoy Possyolok and warns about addressing Gorstkin correctly.
- ForesterHost at the hut; indifferent to fumes; provides lodging and grudging assistance.
- Jewish watchmakerBuys Dmitri’s broken silver watch for six roubles, enabling his travel.
- LandlordsLend Dmitri three roubles and hear his urgent plans.
- Old merchantGives Dmitri a ride back toward Volovya, facilitating his return.
- Posting driverDrives Dmitri swiftly back to town as Dmitri forms a new plan.