Chapter 4 Fortune Smiles on Mitya

Alyosha testifies without oath and defends Dmitri Karamazov’s character, denying he could kill for gain while admitting Dmitri once feared he might harm their father in fury. Pressed for proof, Alyosha has none beyond conviction—until cross-examination triggers a memory.

Alyosha recalls Dmitri striking the upper chest on their last walk, indicating a hidden pouch. He now believes Dmitri meant a bag holding 1,500 roubles he was ashamed to keep from Katerina Ivanovna. Dmitri confirms this in court, calling it the “most shameful act” of his life, which substantiates the pouch’s existence and supports his claim the money at Mokroe was his own.

Katerina Ivanovna then testifies, composed and resolute. She reframes the earlier 3,000-rouble loan as optional to remit, affirms Dmitri’s scrupulous honesty, and dramatically reveals that, at the start of their acquaintance, he gave her his last 4,000 roubles after she humbled herself to beg for her father. The courtroom is moved; Dmitri sobs that she has “ruined” him and declares himself condemned.

Grushenka follows, proud and defensive. She denies designs on Fyodor Pavlovitch’s money, asserts belief in Dmitri’s innocence, and angrily names Smerdyakov as the murderer despite lacking proof. Under cross-examination, she discloses that Rakitin is her cousin and long-time recipient of her money, undercutting his moral posturing and prior testimony.

Public sentiment toward Dmitri briefly improves due to Alyosha’s detail and Katerina Ivanovna’s sacrifice, but the court’s mood is volatile after Grushenka’s abrasive turn. The session ends with Ivan Karamazov called to the stand.