Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Part VI
Overview
Raskolnikov drifts between panic and apathy while fixating on Svidrigaïlov, who arranges care for Katerina’s orphans and hints at a crucial talk. Razumihin confronts Raskolnikov, is entrusted with Dounia, and reports Nikolay’s “confession.” Raskolnikov suspects Porfiry’s strategy—just as Porfiry arrives, signaling an imminent reckoning.
Summary
Raskolnikov enters a fog of alternating terror and apathy, avoiding clear thought about his peril. He obsesses over Svidrigaïlov after the man’s ominous words at Katerina Ivanovna’s deathbed, yet postpones any confrontation. At Sonia’s, he learns Svidrigaïlov has arranged institutions for the orphans and promises a talk. During the requiem, Sonia’s gentle acceptance confounds him, but he remains miserable and restless.
He wanders the city seeking crowds to quiet his unease, then wakes feverish outdoors. Missing the funeral, he eats ravenously and feels briefly clearer. Razumihin arrives, accusing Raskolnikov of cruelty and near-madness toward his family, and reports Pulcheria Alexandrovna is ill after a failed visit. Raskolnikov, in turn, entrusts Dounia and their mother to Razumihin, acknowledging Razumihin’s love and urging patience.
Razumihin mentions Dounia received a distressing letter and, as he leaves, reports that painter Nikolay has confessed to the pawnbroker’s murder per Porfiry’s account. Alarmed, Raskolnikov suspects Porfiry’s psychological maneuvering and a hidden plan behind accepting Nikolay’s confession.
Alone, Raskolnikov resolves to “settle” Svidrigaïlov soon, feeling hatred toward both Svidrigaïlov and Porfiry. At that decisive moment, Porfiry unexpectedly enters Raskolnikov’s room. Raskolnikov masks his shock and sits opposite him, bracing for the confrontation he has both dreaded and sought.
Who Appears
- Rodion RaskolnikovProtagonist; drifts between panic and apathy, fixates on Svidrigaïlov, entrusts Dounia to Razumihin, and braces as Porfiry arrives.
- Dmitri RazumihinFriend; confronts Raskolnikov, reports mother’s illness and Dounia’s letter, hears of Nikolay’s confession, accepts charge of the family.
- Arkady SvidrigaïlovShadowy figure; arranges institutions for Katerina’s children, hints at a necessary talk, remains a looming threat.
- Sofya (Sonia) MarmeladovaMourns at the requiem; silently supports Raskolnikov, showing unwavering compassion.
- Porfiry PetrovitchInvestigator; spreads word of Nikolay’s confession and suddenly visits Raskolnikov, precipitating a confrontation.
- Avdotya (Dounia) RomanovnaRaskolnikov’s sister; previously visited him, now shaken by a letter that may force a separation.
- Pulcheria AlexandrovnaRaskolnikov’s mother; falls ill after a painful, fruitless visit to his lodging.
- Nikolay (the painter)Workman; reportedly confesses to the pawnbroker’s murder, unsettling Raskolnikov.