Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
The Idiot — Part IV — Chapter V
Overview
The Epanchins obsess over Aglaya’s future with Prince Myshkin. Aglaya’s hedgehog gift reconciles them, and she publicly forces Myshkin to declare a proposal, then dismisses it as a joke before apologizing. A buoyant evening follows, but days of teasing, jealousy, and family anxieties about Nastasia resume, while Hippolyte warns Myshkin.
Summary
Rumors swirl in the Epanchin household that Aglaya’s fate is being decided with Prince Myshkin. Lizabetha Prokofievna is torn between pride and alarm; the sisters quietly favor the match. Aglaya toys with Myshkin, first mocking him at games, then sending him a hedgehog, which he takes as forgiveness and hope.
That evening, with the family assembled, Aglaya demands Myshkin define his intentions. Pressed, Myshkin admits he intends to ask for her hand. Aglaya and her sisters burst into laughter; she flees, then reconciles with her mother, and returns to apologize to Myshkin, calling her provocation “absurdity” that meant nothing. Myshkin, overjoyed simply to be welcome again, spends the evening animatedly talking, while Aglaya listens in rapt silence.
In the following days, Aglaya alternates affection with scorn, chaffing Myshkin and testing him, though they often sit together while he reads aloud. When Prince S. hints at a coming family change, Aglaya angrily denies any engagement and, stung, alludes to not replacing anyone’s “mistress,” reviving parental worries about Nastasia Philipovna and prompting talk of demanding explanations from Myshkin.
Meanwhile, Myshkin remains serenely convinced of Aglaya’s goodwill. Hippolyte meets him in the park, complains of petty people, hints Myshkin is being “undermined,” and taunts him about rivals. The conversation turns philosophical about suffering, death, and historical fortitude; Myshkin responds gently, urging forgiveness, while Hippolyte departs half-mocking, half-gratified.
Who Appears
- Prince Lev MyshkinTimid but overjoyed; declares intent to propose to Aglaya, accepts her apology, enjoys renewed access, then endures her teasing; speaks gently with Hippolyte.
- Aglaya EpanchinFluctuates between mockery and tenderness; sends a hedgehog, elicits a proposal, calls it a joke, then apologizes; later provokes jealousy over Nastasia.
- Lizabetha Prokofievna EpanchinAnxious mother; oscillates between rejection and acceptance; reconciles with Aglaya and worries about Nastasia’s shadow.
- General Ivan Fedorovitch EpanchinPaterfamilias, wavering between pride and concern; presses for clarity, then defers to his wife; frets over uncertainty.
- Alexandra EpanchinSister observing shrewdly; alternates support and laughter; helps interpret Aglaya’s feelings to parents.
- Adelaida EpanchinSister who laughs at Aglaya’s performance; wedding timing becomes gossip catalyst.
- Colia IvolginDelivers Aglaya’s hedgehog to Myshkin; delighted messenger who teases out its meaning.
- Hippolyte TerentieffConsumptive youth; warns Myshkin about rivals and undermining; debates suffering and death with him.
- Prince S.Mentions a possible family change, inadvertently provoking Aglaya’s sharp denial and jealousy.
- Princess BielokonskiAglaya’s godmother; dismisses panic and advises waiting, calling Nastasia the worst complication.