Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Crime and Punishment — Part II — Chapter V
Overview
Luzhin, Dounia’s fiancé, visits and immediately clashes with Raskolnikov and Razumihin over ideology and propriety. Raskolnikov’s volatile outburst culminates in a threat when Luzhin disparages his mother. The scene exposes Luzhin’s character, heightens family stakes, and underscores Raskolnikov’s fixation on the murders and his unstable condition.
Summary
Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin arrives at Raskolnikov’s squalid room, assessing everyone with pompous caution. Introduced as Dounia’s fiancé, he awkwardly explains he delayed visiting, has lodged Raskolnikov’s family in Bakaleyev’s house, and is temporarily staying with Andrey Lebeziatnikov. Razumihin derides the chosen lodgings as disreputable.
Seeking approval, Luzhin praises modern “practical” ideas and self-interest, prompting Razumihin’s sharp rebuttal. Raskolnikov intermittently mocks Luzhin’s platitudes and lies pale and agitated. Conversation shifts to the pawnbroker’s murder; Razumihin argues the criminal was inexperienced and saved by chance, while Luzhin generalizes about rising crime among higher classes.
Provoked, Raskolnikov presses Luzhin’s logic toward justifying murder and then accuses him of valuing a poor bride for control. When Luzhin implies Pulcheria misrepresented him, Raskolnikov threatens to throw him downstairs if he mentions his mother again. Offended, Luzhin leaves in humiliation.
Afterward, Zossimov urges Razumihin to let Raskolnikov calm down, noting a fixed idea and his keen reaction to the murder case. They plan to check on him later. Left alone, Raskolnikov orders everyone away; Nastasya offers tea, which he refuses, turning to the wall.
Who Appears
- Rodion RaskolnikovIll and volatile; mocks Luzhin’s views, defends his mother, threatens Luzhin, fixates on the murder case.
- Pyotr Petrovitch LuzhinDounia’s fiancé; pompous advocate of self-interest; offends and is humiliated by Raskolnikov.
- Dmitri RazumihinRaskolnikov’s friend; challenges Luzhin’s platitudes, critiques the lodgings, argues the murderer was inexperienced.
- ZossimovDoctor; observes Raskolnikov’s fixation and advises leaving him calm after the confrontation.
- NastasyaServant; lingers after the quarrel and offers tea, which Raskolnikov refuses.