Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Crime and Punishment — Part II — Chapter IV
Overview
Zossimov evaluates Raskolnikov, while Razumihin shares plans for a gathering that will include Porfiry. The conversation shifts to the murder case: evidence points toward the painter Nikolay, but Razumihin argues he is innocent and outlines a plausible alternative culprit.
Raskolnikov reacts nervously to a key detail, and an unknown visitor arrives.
Summary
Doctor Zossimov visits Rodion Raskolnikov, assesses his condition, and advises light food and rest. Razumihin proposes a short walk soon and invites Zossimov and possibly Raskolnikov to a nearby house-warming with neighbors, including Porfiry Petrovitch and Zametov. Nastasya blurts out that Lizaveta was also murdered.
Razumihin recounts new developments: Dushkin the publican brought in a jeweller’s case of ear-rings traced to the pawned goods; a painter, Nikolay, tried to pawn them, fled, was later arrested after a suicide attempt, and confessed he found the ear-rings in the murdered woman’s flat.
Razumihin argues Nikolay’s story is true: multiple witnesses saw Nikolay and his partner Dmitri play-fighting on the stairs at the time, behavior incompatible with fresh murder. At mention that the ear-rings were found behind the flat’s door, Raskolnikov startles and turns away.
Building a counter-theory, Razumihin proposes the real murderer hid in the flat when Koch and Pestryakov knocked, escaped down the stairs amid confusion, and accidentally dropped the ear-rings behind the door. Zossimov calls the reconstruction too clever and melodramatic.
The discussion is cut short as a stranger, unknown to all, suddenly enters the room.
Who Appears
- Rodion RaskolnikovConvalescing; insists he is well; jolted by the detail that ear-rings were found behind the door.
- Dmitri RazumihinFriend and caretaker; invites others to a house-warming; vigorously defends Nikolay and reconstructs the murderer’s escape.
- ZossimovPhysician; evaluates Raskolnikov, prescribes rest and diet; skeptical of Razumihin’s elaborate theory.
- NastasyaServant; interjects that Lizaveta was also murdered, unsettling Raskolnikov.
- Nikolay DementyevJourneyman painter; accused after pawning ear-rings; attempted suicide; claims he found them in the flat.
- DushkinPublican and fence; produced the ear-rings to police; his account triggers suspicion of Nikolay.
- DmitriPainter working with Nikolay; seen play-fighting on the stairs at the time in question.
- Koch and PestryakovVisitors who found the door open; early suspects; their movements anchor Razumihin’s alternate timeline.