Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
The Idiot — Part II — Chapter VII
Overview
Aglaya recites Pushkin’s “The Poor Knight,” pointedly substituting initials that allude to Nastasia, unsettling Prince Myshkin and revealing mixed social undercurrents. Evgenie Pavlovitch arrives in civilian dress, announcing a temporary retirement, drawing interest and gossip. As tensions rise, Burdovsky and allies enter to assert a claim against Myshkin, setting up a public confrontation.
Summary
General Epanchin arrives with Evgenie Pavlovitch Radomski as Aglaya continues her recitation of Pushkin’s “The Poor Knight.” Aglaya, initially affected, grows solemn and inspired, deliberately changing the ballad’s initials to N.P.B., a pointed allusion that disturbs Prince Myshkin and intrigues several listeners while others miss the reference.
After the recitation, Evgenie is introduced to Myshkin. His civilian clothes surprise the company, and he explains he has temporarily retired to manage his estates and go abroad, fueling curiosity about his motives. Light banter with Colia follows, and Myshkin notes Evgenie’s pleasant, ironic manner and apparent awareness of the “poor knight” joke.
Mrs. Epanchin, newly eager for Pushkin, is offered Lebedeff’s treasured edition for purchase, prompting comic obsequiousness from Lebedeff and practical efficiency from his daughter Vera. Meanwhile, rising noise from another room signals the arrival of persistent visitors demanding to see Myshkin.
Aglaya urges Myshkin to confront the matter publicly and be vindicated; Mrs. Epanchin also presses for a decisive resolution. Despite Lebedeff’s warnings and suspicions about radicals, Myshkin invites the men in, determined to be fair and transparent.
General Ivolgin ushers in four: Antip Burdovsky, shabbily defiant and claiming to be Pavlisheff’s son; Lebedeff’s nephew Vladimir Doktorenko; Keller, a blustering retired officer-boxer; and the consumptive, mordant Hippolyte Terentieff. They sit facing Myshkin, tense and combative, ready to voice their demands as the assembled company looks on.
Who Appears
- Prince Lev Nikolayevich MyshkinHost; unsettled by Aglaya’s allusion; greets Evgenie; decides to admit Burdovsky’s party for a public reckoning.
- Aglaya EpanchinRecites “The Poor Knight,” changes initials to N.P.B.; then urges Myshkin to confront and vindicate himself.
- Evgenie Pavlovitch RadomskiArrives in civilian clothes; announces temporary retirement; witty observer aware of the “poor knight” subtext.
- Lizabetha Prokofievna EpanchinAdmiring yet admonishing mother; pushes Myshkin to resolve the claim; buys Lebedeff’s Pushkin volumes.
- General Epanchin (Ivan Fedorovitch)Arrives with Evgenie; puzzled but curious; observes the brewing confrontation.
- LebedeffObsequious host; tries to block visitors; theatrically offers his family Pushkin edition for sale.
- Vera LebedeffEfficiently presents Pushkin books and alerts Myshkin to the insistent visitors.
- Antip BurdovskyShabby, defiant claimant styled as Pavlisheff’s son; leads the group demanding redress.
- Vladimir DoktorenkoLebedeff’s assertive nephew; accompanies Burdovsky and announces himself with pride.
- Hippolyte TerentieffSickly, sharp-tongued youth; arrives exhausted, aligned with Burdovsky’s claim.
- KellerRetired officer and boxer; joins as moral and potential physical support for the claimants.
- Gavrila Ardalionovitch Ivolgin (Gania)Attempts to manage and restrain the visitors before they enter.
- PtitsinHelps contain the visitors; previously handled Myshkin’s inheritance matters.
- Colia IvolginMessenger and commentator; banters about literature and fashions; investigates the commotion.
- Prince S.Evgenie’s relative; annoyed by the stir over Evgenie’s attire; observes events.