Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 3 The Medical Experts and a Pound of Nuts
Overview
Conflicting medical testimonies undercut an insanity defense: the Moscow doctor and Herzenstube see abnormality, while Varvinsky convincingly asserts Dmitri is sane, swaying judges and public. Herzenstube’s childhood “pound of nuts” anecdote humanizes Dmitri, winning sympathy. Alyosha adds a detail challenging a prosecution claim, setting up Katerina Ivanovna’s testimony.
Summary
The court hears medical experts after Katerina Ivanovna pressed for a Moscow specialist. Doctor Herzenstube first declares Dmitri mentally abnormal, citing present demeanor and past behavior, even noting where Dmitri looked on entering court.
The Moscow doctor strengthens this angle, diagnosing aberration and budding mania, arguing Dmitri’s impulses could have overridden control, and mocking Herzenstube’s “look at the ladies” point by saying a sane man would seek his counsel.
Doctor Varvinsky decisively contradicts them: Dmitri is normal, only nervously excited from jealousy, anger, and drink. He argues that looking straight at the judges is the most natural act, which aligns with Dmitri’s behavior. Dmitri applauds, and the judges and public side with Varvinsky.
As a witness, Herzenstube unexpectedly aids Dmitri by recalling his neglected childhood and the doctor’s gift of a pound of nuts, linked to a simple catechism in German. Years later, Dmitri gratefully repeated it to him, proving lasting gratitude. The touching story moves the court; Dmitri weeps.
Momentum shifts toward the defense as witnesses a decharge begin to help more than expected. Before Katerina Ivanovna is called, Alyosha testifies, recalling a detail that directly undermines an important prosecution point, foreshadowing further challenges to the state’s case.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovDefendant; reacts emotionally, applauds Varvinsky, weeps at Herzenstube’s childhood anecdote, benefits from shifting courtroom sentiment.
- Doctor VarvinskyYoung local doctor; asserts Dmitri is sane and behaving naturally, persuading judges and public.
- Doctor HerzenstubeElderly town doctor; first claims mental abnormality, then humanizes Dmitri with the ‘pound of nuts’ childhood story.
- The Moscow doctorCelebrated specialist; diagnoses aberration and emerging mania, arguing diminished control over impulses.
- FetyukovitchDefense counsel; seizes on Herzenstube’s anecdote, benefits as defense witnesses begin to aid Dmitri.
- Alyosha KaramazovDmitri’s brother; testifies with a fact that contradicts an important prosecution claim.