Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 2 The Injured Foot
Overview
Alyosha visits Madame Hohlakov before seeing Dmitri and is swept into her agitation over gossip, the coming trial, and Lise’s alarming moods. She blames Rakitin for a slanderous article, touts an insanity defense for Dmitri, and reveals Ivan’s covert visit to Lise. Perhotin arrives as Alyosha hurries to Lise.
Summary
Hastening to Madame Hohlakov’s before meeting Dmitri, Alyosha intends to speak with Lise but is detained by Madame Hohlakov, who lies ill with a swollen foot and in high nervous excitement. She effusively laments the looming trial and public scandal and presses Alyosha’s monk-like trustworthiness.
Madame Hohlakov shows Alyosha a Petersburg gossip piece implying a “pining widow” offered Dmitri three thousand roubles to elope shortly before the murder; she assumes the allusion is to herself and accuses Rakitin of planting it. She recounts how Rakitin courted her with a poem about her injured foot, quarrelled with Perhotin, and was theatrically banned from her house, after which the article appeared.
Turning to the case, she extols a legal “aberration” defense, citing a Moscow doctor (brought by Katerina) who questioned her. In muddled speculation she alternates between blaming Grigory and Dmitri, yet insists acquittal on grounds of aberration would be humane and celebratory.
Madame Hohlakov then reveals Ivan secretly visited Lise six days earlier. She describes Lise’s recent volatility—hysterical fits, contradictions, and cruelty followed by contrition—and begs Alyosha to learn the truth from Lise and report back, claiming her own life depends on it.
Perhotin arrives to discuss counsel, but Alyosha, pressed for time and focused on Lise, withdraws, promising to return if he can, while Madame Hohlakov implores him not to forget.
Who Appears
- Alyosha (Alexey Fyodorovich) KaramazovVisits Madame Hohlakov, hears gossip and plans for Dmitri’s defense, learns of Ivan’s secret visit to Lise, and goes to see Lise.
- Madame HohlakovAgitated hostess with a swollen foot; shows a slanderous article, denounces Rakitin, promotes an ‘aberration’ defense, and pleads about Lise.
- Lise HohlakovOffstage focus; has hysterical fits, contradictory behavior, and secretly received Ivan; summons Alyosha for something important.
- RakitinAlleged author of the gossip piece; previously courted Madame Hohlakov with a poem and quarreled with Perhotin before being banned.
- Pyotr Ilyitch PerhotinYoung official favored by Madame Hohlakov; mocked Rakitin’s poem; arrives as Alyosha departs.
- Ivan Fyodorovich KaramazovReported to have secretly visited Lise; his visit triggers Lise’s turmoil and Madame Hohlakov’s concern.
- Katerina Ivanovna (Katya)Offstage; arranged for a Moscow doctor to assess Dmitri’s mental state, prompting talk of ‘aberration.’