Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Genre

Classics, Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology

Contents

Demons — Part II

Previous: Chapter V. The Subtle Serpent Next: Chapter II. Night (continued)

Overview

As rumors explode, Pyotr wins influence and needles Stavrogin, who coldly weighs a public engagement to Lizaveta and a looming duel with Gaganov. That night, Stavrogin recruits Kirillov as his second and warns Shatov he is marked by the revolutionary circle. Stavrogin confirms his secret marriage to Marya, sparking Shatov’s fervent creed of Russia and God, and is urged to seek counsel from the retired bishop Tikhon.

Summary

Eight days after the Sunday scandal, the town seethes with precise rumors about Stavrogin’s blow and Lizaveta’s fainting. The Lebyadkins vanish; Shatov isolates himself. Pyotr rapidly charms the Lembkes and notables, buoyed by a powerful letter of recommendation. Stepan, ill and reflective, spars verbally with his son and senses inevitable calamity.

On Monday evening, Pyotr confronts Stavrogin in his study, flaunting candor about having manipulated gossip and now shifting to “new tactics.” He reports moving the Lebyadkins, fans spy rumors to advantage, and mentions Fedka the escaped convict. Stavrogin coolly reveals he will be engaged to Lizaveta within five days. Pyotr hints at arranging matters with Gaganov and exits. Varvara, anxious, finds Stavrogin sleeping eerily motionless.

That night, Stavrogin slips out a back gate with his butler’s help. He visits Kirillov, shares Gaganov’s insulting letter, and appoints him second for a duel set for the next day, specifying pistols and close barriers. Kirillov displays weapons and expounds his strange creed of happiness, time, and the “man-god.”

Stavrogin then seeks Shatov, who locked himself in for days. Stavrogin warns that the revolutionary society, led in practice by Pyotr, suspects Shatov and may kill him. He confirms he legally married Marya Lebyadkina years before and plans to announce it publicly. Their talk flares: Shatov denounces the movement, proclaims Russia the “god-bearing” people, and demands moral renewal by work.

Shatov assails Stavrogin’s past provocations and “moral sensuality,” pleads with him to raise a nobler standard, and urges him to see Tikhon, a retired bishop. Stavrogin, noting his own lack of wealth and concern for Marya’s future, asks Shatov to remain near her. He departs into the rainy night.

Who Appears

Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch Stavrogin

Cold center of rumors; plans a duel with Gaganov, considers engagement to Liza, confirms secret marriage to Marya, warns Shatov.
Pyotr Stepanovitch Verkhovensky

Manipulative agitator; spreads and steers gossip, gains favor with the Lembkes, hints at plots, Fedka, and Gaganov’s challenge.
Ivan Shatov

In seclusion; warned he’s marked by the society. Debates Russia, faith, and morality with Stavrogin; urges him to see Tikhon.
Alexei Kirillov

Engineer-philosopher; agrees to act as Stavrogin’s second, provides pistols, expounds views on happiness, time, and the man-god.
Varvara Petrovna Stavrogina

Anxious mother; cautiously checks on Stavrogin, finds him in unnerving, statue-like sleep.
Stepan Trofimovitch Verkhovensky

Ailing and reflective; clashes with his son, senses impending catastrophe, oscillates between resolve and despair.
Artemy Pavlovitch Gaganov

Offended landowner; sends Stavrogin a grossly insulting letter, prompting a pistol duel.
Marya Timofyevna Lebyadkina

Stavrogin’s secret wife; offstage but pivotal to revelations and future public announcement.
Lizaveta Nikolaevna

Recovering from her faint; rumored engagement to Mavriky, yet Stavrogin vows to win her hand.
Fedka (the convict)

Escaped serf and criminal; in contact with Pyotr, “ready for anything,” a lurking threat.
Yulia Mihailovna von Lembke

Governor’s wife; champions Pyotr, cultivates a circle, treats Stavrogin as an enigmatic figure.
Alexey Yegorytch

Stavrogin’s loyal butler; facilitates his secret nighttime exit and cautions him solemnly.