Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 5 The Third Ordeal
Overview
Dmitri denies entering his father’s house, reveals a secret window signal, and refuses to accuse Smerdyakov—then hears Smerdyakov is gravely ill. He admits striking Grigory, outlines a planned suicide, and refuses to disclose the source of his money to avoid disgrace. Investigators prepare a full search.
Summary
Dmitri recounts climbing the fence, signaling at the window, and feeling murderous rage, but insists he fled without entering the house. The prosecutors remain cold and reveal the garden door was found open and the murder was committed inside, baffling Dmitri who swears the door had been shut.
Pressed, Dmitri discloses the secret window-tapping signals known only to Fyodor Pavlovitch, Smerdyakov, and himself. When prompted to accuse Smerdyakov, he refuses, calling Smerdyakov too cowardly for murder—then learns Smerdyakov lies in a severe epileptic fit, perhaps dying, which unsettles him.
Dmitri reenacts how he struck Grigory while astride the wall and admits he jumped down to check if Grigory lived, which prosecutors interpret as calculating intent. He describes deciding on suicide, redeeming pistols, writing a note, and holding a last feast, but withholds any romantic details.
Questioned about the large sum he displayed, Dmitri refuses to reveal its source, saying disclosure would disgrace him more than parricide would. He surrenders 836 roubles 40 copecks; they reckon he initially had about 1,500. The lawyers announce a thorough search of his person and clothes, and Dmitri submits, asking to undress behind curtains.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovGives a detailed statement; reveals secret signals; denies entering; reenacts striking Grigory; refuses to disclose money’s source; submits to search.
- Nikolay ParfenovitchInvestigating lawyer; questions methodically, elicits reenactment, money accounting, and orders a thorough search.
- Ippolit Kirillovitch (the prosecutor)Prosecutor; asserts murder occurred via the garden door, presses on signals and money, interprets actions as calculating.
- SmerdyakovValet who knew the signals; suspected but denied by Dmitri; found in a severe epileptic fit.
- GrigoryHouse servant Dmitri struck while escaping over the wall; injury central to questioning.
- Fyodor Pavlovitch KaramazovMurder victim; his secret window signals and the open garden door drive the investigators’ theory.
- PerhotinMoneylender; saw Dmitri’s bloodstained hands and large bundle of notes; his report prompts money questions.
- Fedosya MarkovnaServant Dmitri approached with blood on him; cited to explain his condition after the struggle.
- GrushenkaAt the heart of Dmitri’s jealousy; her role prompts the window signal and Dmitri’s despair.
- Madame HohlakovRefused Dmitri a loan earlier; her mention frames the mystery of his sudden funds.