Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
The Idiot — Part III — Chapter II
Overview
Myshkin’s self-abasing speech provokes Aglaya’s fierce defense, then teasing rejection, easing family tensions as they go to hear the band. At the Vauxhall, Nastasia’s dramatic entrance ignites scandal: she reveals Evgenie’s uncle’s suicide and missing funds, strikes an insulting officer, and Rogojin escorts her away while Myshkin intervenes helplessly.
Summary
Myshkin, agitated, approaches Evgenie Pavlovitch declaring esteem, then publicly confesses his social unfitness. Aglaya erupts, exalting Myshkin above all present and rejecting talk of marrying him. When Myshkin hurriedly clarifies he never intended to propose, Aglaya and her sisters collapse into laughter, easing the room’s strain.
The party walks to the Vauxhall. Aglaya briefly hints at a secluded bench she visits, then demands silence. Among the crowd, Myshkin drifts into reverie, gazing at Aglaya from a distance of mind. She teases his odd stare, whispers “idiot,” and he senses a familiar, alarming presence in the throng.
A conspicuous group enters: Nastasia Philipovna with followers. Myshkin, remembering his past pity, now recoils in horror, convinced of her madness. Passing the Epanchins, Nastasia loudly tells Evgenie that his uncle has shot himself and that vast government funds are missing, stunning him and sending the Epanchins hastily away.
Evgenie’s officer-friend indignantly declares Nastasia should be whipped. Nastasia seizes a cane and strikes his face. When the officer lunges, Myshkin restrains him but is violently shoved into a chair. Keller steps forward to challenge the officer, yet Rogojin arrives, pale and trembling, and leads Nastasia off, jeering at the officer’s bleeding cheek.
The officer, recovering, politely confirms Myshkin’s name and withdraws as police appear and the crowd settles. Aglaya, who stayed to watch despite her family’s calls, later coolly remarks she wanted to see how the farce would end, revealing detached curiosity amid the chaos.
Who Appears
- Prince Lev MyshkinAnxious and self-abasing; denies proposing to Aglaya; intervenes in Nastasia’s fracas but is shoved.
- Aglaya EpanchinFiercely defends Myshkin, then mocks him; hints at a private bench; watches Nastasia’s scandal, calling it a farce.
- Nastasia PhilipovnaArrives flamboyantly; reveals Evgenie’s uncle’s suicide and embezzlement; canes an officer; leaves with Rogojin.
- Evgenie Pavlovitch RadomskiStartled by Myshkin’s praise; publicly humiliated by news of his uncle’s suicide and missing funds.
- Parfyon RogojinAppears agitated; escorts Nastasia away after the altercation, taunting the wounded officer.
- Lizabetha ProkofievnaAlarmed by Myshkin’s outburst; hastily withdraws the family when Nastasia provokes scandal.
- Adelaida EpanchinJoins her sisters’ laughter; leads the walk; teases affectionately toward Myshkin.
- Alexandra EpanchinSupports Aglaya’s teasing explanation; shares in the laughter and social observations.
- Prince S.Bemused observer; tries to distract Mrs. Epanchin; later urges Aglaya to leave the scene.
- Colia IvolginCheerfully cries “poor knight,” sharing the family’s relief and amusement.
- KellerEx-lieutenant and boxer; offers to defend Nastasia’s honour against the offended officer.
- Young officer (Evgenie’s friend)Insults Nastasia; is struck with a cane; briefly confronts Myshkin before withdrawing.