Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Crime and Punishment — Part V — Chapter III
Overview
Luzhin falsely accuses Sonia of stealing a hundred roubles, and the note is found in her pocket. Lebeziatnikov exposes that Luzhin planted it, and Raskolnikov explains Luzhin’s revenge motive tied to Dunya. Luzhin is disgraced and leaves; Sonia, shattered, flees, while Amalia evicts Katerina, who runs to seek justice.
Summary
Luzhin interrupts the chaotic memorial gathering to accuse Sonia of stealing a hundred-rouble note during her earlier visit. He recounts his money counting and Sonia’s supposed embarrassment as circumstantial evidence, presses for a search, and a folded hundred-rouble note is found in Sonia’s pocket. The room turns against Sonia as she protests innocence and Katerina Ivanovna defends her desperately.
Lebeziatnikov then denounces Luzhin, testifying that he saw Luzhin secretly slip the note into Sonia’s pocket at the door. Pressed, Luzhin denies it, but Lebeziatnikov details his observations and motives he had imagined, convincing the onlookers. The crowd grows hostile toward Luzhin.
Raskolnikov steps forward and explains Luzhin’s real motive: revenge for being rejected by Dunya and to estrange Raskolnikov from his family by discrediting Sonia. The explanation, combined with Lebeziatnikov’s account, sways the room. Luzhin, pale but defiant, forces his way out, threatening legal action, and soon quits the house in disgrace.
Sonia, though vindicated, is devastated by her helplessness and flees home weeping. The landlady, Amalia Ivanovna, enraged by the scene, expels Katerina Ivanovna and her children from the lodging. In despair, Katerina rushes into the street vowing to seek justice, leaving Polenka to wait with the younger children amid the disorder.
As the drunken quarrels resume, Raskolnikov resolves to follow up with Sonia and heads to her lodgings.
Who Appears
- Pyotr Petrovitch LuzhinAttempts to frame Sonia for theft; exposed by Lebeziatnikov and Raskolnikov; leaves in disgrace.
- Sofya (Sonia) SemyonovnaFalsely accused of stealing; the planted note is found; vindicated but flees in tears.
- Rodion RaskolnikovExplains Luzhin’s revenge motive tied to Dunya; supports Sonia and goes to see her.
- Andrey Semyonovich LebeziatnikovWitnesses and exposes Luzhin slipping the banknote into Sonia’s pocket.
- Katerina IvanovnaFiercely defends Sonia; is evicted by Amalia; runs out to seek justice.
- Amalia IvanovnaLandlady who sides with Luzhin initially; later expels Katerina and the children.
- PolenkaClings to Sonia in tears; later waits with siblings as Katerina leaves.
- Commissariat clerkDrunken guest who hurls a glass amid the commotion, worsening the scene.