Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter 4 A Lady of Little Faith
Overview
A society lady attributes her daughter Lise’s sudden improvement to Elder Zossima and arrives to give thanks. Zossima deflects credit, counsels a doubting woman that faith comes through active love, and acknowledges his own approaching death yet present joy. Lise delivers Katerina Ivanovna’s urgent summons to Alyosha, rekindling their past acquaintance and prompting Zossima to promise he will visit.
Summary
As Elder Zossima finishes blessing the gathered people, a society lady, moved to tears, thanks him for healing her daughter Lise. Zossima notes Lise still sits in her chair, but the mother insists her fevers have ceased and strength is returning, baffling Doctor Herzenstube. Lise, amused by Alyosha’s shyness, gives him Katerina Ivanovna’s urgent note asking him to visit.
A humble monk from the far north questions Zossima’s right to heal. Zossima replies that any cure is by God’s will alone, then quietly remarks he is ill and understands his disease, yet feels profoundly happy. He declares that true righteousness is marked by happiness.
The lady confesses torment over the afterlife and her wavering faith. Zossima answers that proof is impossible but conviction comes through active love of one’s neighbor. When the lady admits she would abandon charity if met with ingratitude, Zossima warns against seeking approbation and urges vigilance against self-deceit, fear, and falsehood. He contrasts dramatic love in dreams with arduous love in action, promising grace at the moment of greatest discouragement.
Turning back to Lise, Zossima playfully reproves her for mocking Alyosha. Lise, recalling their childhood closeness, alternates between teasing and tears, resenting Alyosha’s distance since he entered the monastery. Zossima blesses her and promises he will send Alyosha to visit, while Alyosha, troubled by Katerina Ivanovna’s note, agrees to go.
Who Appears
- Elder ZossimaDeflects credit for Lise’s improvement, teaches faith through active love, acknowledges illness yet joy, and promises to send Alyosha to Lise.
- Madame KhokhlakovSentimental society lady; thanks Zossima for Lise’s recovery and confesses anguish over the afterlife and her conditional love.
- Lise KhokhlakovConvalescent daughter; improved health, teases shy Alyosha, delivers Katerina Ivanovna’s note, and weeps at Zossima’s blessing.
- Alyosha (Alexey Fyodorovich Karamazov)Shy before Lise; receives Katerina Ivanovna’s urgent summons and agrees to visit; silently observes Zossima’s counsel.
- Monk from ObdorskVisiting peasant monk; questions Zossima about healing and receives blessing and invitation to visit his cell.
- Katerina IvanovnaOffstage; sends an urgent note to Alyosha to see her regarding Dmitri and recent events.
- Doctor HerzenstubePhysician who is bewildered by Lise’s sudden improvement after Zossima’s prayer.