Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 9 The Sensualists
Overview
Dmitri invades his father’s house hunting for Grushenka, assaults Grigory and Fyodor Pavlovitch, and leaves vowing farewell to Katerina Ivanovna. Fyodor, tended by his sons, fixates on Grushenka and secretly enlists Alyosha to gauge her choice. Ivan’s bleak philosophy surfaces, yet he and Alyosha form a tentative accord.
Summary
Dmitri forces his way into Fyodor Pavlovitch’s house despite Grigory and Smerdyakov trying to bar him, convinced Grushenka is hidden inside. He knocks Grigory down, breaks through a locked door, and, finding nothing, turns on Fyodor Pavlovitch. In a violent outburst Dmitri seizes his father by the hair and kicks him in the face before Ivan and Alyosha pull him away.
Dmitri insists he saw Grushenka by the fence and, failing to find her, storms off, telling Alyosha to convey his “compliments and farewell” to Katerina Ivanovna. Fyodor Pavlovitch, bleeding and terrified that Grushenka may indeed be near, is put to bed by Ivan, Alyosha, and Smerdyakov.
When Fyodor Pavlovitch wakes, he wavers between fear of Ivan and obsession with Grushenka. Reassured that Grushenka has not been in the house, he rejoices at the idea she won’t marry Dmitri, presses Alyosha for help discerning her choice, gifts Alyosha an icon, and makes him promise to visit secretly in the morning.
Outside, Alyosha and Ivan speak tensely. Ivan, cynical about human nature, remarks that “one reptile will devour the other,” yet promises he would defend their father against murder. They part with unexpected warmth, agreeing to meet the next day, as Alyosha senses Ivan has approached him with a deliberate purpose.
Who Appears
- Dmitri (Mitya) KaramazovBreaks in seeking Grushenka; strikes Grigory and brutally assaults Fyodor; leaves a message for Katerina Ivanovna.
- Fyodor Pavlovitch KaramazovBeaten and terrified; obsesses over Grushenka; fears Ivan; secretly asks Alyosha to learn Grushenka’s choice.
- Alyosha (Alexey) KaramazovIntervenes to stop violence; tends his father; refuses improper errand; agrees to visit secretly; reconciles somewhat with Ivan.
- Ivan KaramazovHelps restrain Dmitri; scornful of both rivals; professes cold wishes yet vows defense; forms a tentative accord with Alyosha.
- GrigoryLoyal servant who bars Dmitri; struck down and aggrieved, insists he was insulted.
- SmerdyakovCowardly and shaken; fetches water and cleans up; hovers near Fyodor during the aftermath.