Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 5 A Sudden Resolution
Overview
Dmitri, bloodstained and frantic, learns from Fenya that Grushenka has gone to Mokroe to reunite with her former officer. He abruptly resolves to “step aside,” retrieves his pistols and a large roll of cash, and orders an extravagant spree for Mokroe.
With Perhotin uneasy, town gossip links Dmitri’s sudden wealth to possible crime as Dmitri departs at speed, vowing not to harm anyone but clearly on a collision course.
Summary
Dmitri bursts into Grushenka’s lodging, seizes Fenya, and demands to know where Grushenka is. Fenya, terrified, reveals Grushenka has gone to Mokroe to meet her former officer. Seeing his own bloodstained hands, Dmitri swings from horror to a dreamy resolve, saying he will “step aside” and not hinder her.
Dmitri hurries to Pyotr Ilyitch Perhotin to redeem his pawned pistols, displaying a fat roll of hundred-rouble notes. Perhotin, alarmed by Dmitri’s blood and volatility, makes him wash, questions the money, and watches Dmitri load a pistol and pen a note: “I punish myself for my whole life; my whole life I punish!” Dmitri insists he loves life, speaks of yielding place, and decides to pursue Grushenka to Mokroe.
They go to Plotnikov’s. Dmitri orders champagne and delicacies in extravagant quantities and arranges a fast cart with Andrey, while Perhotin trims the bill and frets over Dmitri’s intentions. In a back room Dmitri toasts life, wavers between exaltation and melancholy, and scatters tips to the errand boy Misha.
As the cart is readied, Fenya rushes up, begging Dmitri not to harm Grushenka or the officer, claiming the officer will marry Grushenka. Dmitri promises he won’t hurt anyone, asks Fenya’s forgiveness for assaulting her, and departs at speed for Mokroe with the pistols under his seat.
Perhotin, unsettled, goes to the tavern, shares news of Dmitri’s sudden thousands and his trip to Mokroe; listeners darkly speculate he robbed or meant harm to Fyodor. Growing uneasy, Perhotin considers checking on Fyodor, then turns back toward Fenya’s house, only to find it closed for the night; he pounds on the gate, filling the street with noise.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovBloodstained, learns Grushenka’s gone to her officer, resolves to ‘step aside,’ redeems pistols, orders a lavish feast, and races to Mokroe.
- Pyotr Ilyitch PerhotinOfficial who returns Mitya’s pistols, tries to steady him, questions the money, later spreads news and grows suspicious.
- FenyaGrushenka’s servant; reveals Grushenka went to Mokroe, later begs Mitya not to harm her or the officer.
- AndreyDriver who readies the fast three-horse cart and carries Dmitri toward Mokroe.
- MishaErrand boy at Plotnikov’s; changes money, carries orders, receives an extravagant tip and a drink.
- Agrafena (Grushenka) SvetlovaOffstage motivation; has gone to Mokroe to meet her former officer, prompting Dmitri’s pursuit.
- The former officerOffstage rival; Grushenka’s past lover, rumored to return to marry her at Mokroe.