Crime and Punishment — Part III — Chapter IV

Sofya Semyonovna (Sonia) timidly enters Raskolnikov’s crowded room to invite him, on Katerina Ivanovna’s behalf, to Marmeladov’s church service and funeral meal. Her humility and Raskolnikov’s sudden warmth unsettle Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dounia, though Dounia offers Sonia a respectful bow before leaving.

In the street, Pulcheria Alexandrovna frets about Raskolnikov’s condition and suspects Sonia will cause trouble, while Dounia rejects Luzhin’s slanders and defends Sonia. Their talk underscores family strain ahead of the evening’s meeting with Luzhin.

Back inside, Raskolnikov asks Razumihin about Porfiry Petrovitch, deciding to go directly to him concerning small pledges he left with the murdered pawnbroker—a ring and his father’s watch—fearing his mother might ask to see the watch. Sonia gives her address, and they part.

As Sonia hurries home, preoccupied, an unknown, well-dressed gentleman notices her mention of Raskolnikov, discreetly follows her to Kapernaumov the tailor’s rooms, and reveals he is lodging next door at Madame Resslich’s, leaving Sonia uneasy.

On the way to Porfiry’s, Razumihin enthuses about introducing Raskolnikov, while Raskolnikov frets over what Porfiry may know about his inquiries at the crime scene. To mask tension, Raskolnikov teases Razumihin about his bashfulness around Dounia; still laughing, they enter Porfiry’s flat.