Part V

Morning after the breakup, Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin confronts his wounded vanity, frets over lost prospects, and faces petty financial annoyances with contractors and a landlord. Passing Katerina Ivanovna’s elaborate funeral dinner preparations, he learns many lodgers are invited and that Raskolnikov will attend, which sparks a calculating idea.

Back in Lebeziatnikov’s room, Luzhin needles his host and displays cash he has just realized from bonds. Their talk devolves into mocking disputes over Lebeziatnikov’s progressive theories, free unions, and communal privacy. Luzhin’s sarcasm contrasts with Lebeziatnikov’s earnest but muddled zeal.

Seizing on the upcoming dinner, Luzhin calls in Sofya Semyonovna (Sonia), carefully keeps Lebeziatnikov present as a witness, and adopts a dignified, philanthropic pose. He disabuses Sonia of Katerina Ivanovna’s pension hopes, then proposes organizing a subscription to help the family—insisting funds should not pass through Katerina’s hands and asking Sonia to manage them.

Luzhin then hands Sonia a ten-rouble note “personally,” requesting anonymity, and invites her to return at seven to begin the subscription. Sonia, flustered and grateful, leaves in tears. Lebeziatnikov applauds Luzhin’s supposed humanity despite theoretical objections to private charity.

After Sonia’s exit, Luzhin grows visibly excited, rubbing his hands, while only half listening to Lebeziatnikov’s continued lecture on free marriage and “honour.” The scene ends with Luzhin’s agitation hinting at a concealed plan connected to the funeral dinner and Sonia.