The Idiot — Part IV — Chapter II

Hippolyte has moved from Prince Myshkin’s to the Ptitsins’, aided by Gania, while even Rogojin has begun visiting him. The Ivolgin household gathers when General Ivolgin bursts in, denouncing Hippolyte as a “screw” corrupting him. Nina Alexandrovna is distressed; Colia is perplexed by his father’s sobriety and erratic behavior.

A quarrel ignites over the existence of “Kapiton Eropegoff.” Hippolyte and Gania mock the story, and General Ivolgin, humiliated and agitated, declares a curse on the house and storms out with his bag, pursued by his family, while Ptitsin tries to contain the scandal.

Left with Gania, Hippolyte is accused of exploiting hospitality. He coolly replies that he is Varvara’s guest and will move to his own room that evening. He then delivers a cutting monologue, exposing Gania’s vanity and “commonplaceness,” and admits he wanted to make a fool of someone before dying; he concludes by announcing his departure.

After Hippolyte leaves, Varia and Gania discover a note from “A. E.” (Aglaya Epanchin) requesting a 7 a.m. meeting by the green bench, with Varia to accompany. Gania’s humiliation turns to triumph; Varia urges caution to avoid ruining the opportunity.

As the family turmoil resumes upstairs, the general theatrically curses the house in the street. Varia hurries to limit gossip, while Gania kisses Aglaya’s note and dances, buoyed by revived hopes.