Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
The Idiot — Part II — Chapter X
Overview
Hippolyte, feverish and volatile, exposes that Lebedeff revised Keller’s slanderous article about Prince Myshkin, provoking Lizabetha Prokofievna’s outrage. His delirium crescendos into despair, then fury, and he curses everyone—especially Myshkin—before being taken away. The Epanchins leave offended, and an unknown lady informs Evgenie that Rogojin bought certain IOUs, deepening intrigue.
Summary
After tea, Hippolyte unsettles the gathering by revealing that Lebedeff revised Keller’s defamatory article against Prince Myshkin. Keller corroborates and details the factual tidbits Lebedeff supplied, while Lebedeff half-boasts and deflects to grammar. Lizabetha Prokofievna rebukes the deceit and scolds Myshkin for tolerating such company.
Evgenie Pavlovitch prods Hippolyte about his radical notions, arguing that their principles slide toward “might is right.” Hippolyte, agitated and coughing, alternates between sarcasm and appeals for understanding, then abruptly invites everyone to his own funeral. Lizabetha Prokofievna, moved, tries to calm him and proposes he stay the night; Myshkin agrees. Keller volunteers to watch him.
Hippolyte swings from gratitude to self-loathing, laments his failed hopes to speak truth to the world, and sobs that he will leave no trace. Lizabetha comforts him maternally. When Hippolyte rises to go with Burdovsky’s group, Myshkin anxiously anticipates a scene; Hippolyte explodes, accusing Myshkin of contriving his humiliation and declaring hatred for all, especially the “beneficent” prince.
Shaken, the Epanchins blame Myshkin for the evening’s chaos. Aglaya, furious, whispers that she will hate Myshkin if he does not expel such “riff-raff.” The guests depart; Hippolyte is taken away in a cab. Immediately outside, a lady in a passing carriage addresses Evgenie, announcing that Rogojin has bought Kupferov’s IOUs and hinting at further settlements, then speeds off, leaving Mrs. Epanchin scandalized and Evgenie denying all knowledge.
Evgenie, rattled, asks Myshkin if he understands the IOU matter; both profess ignorance. Myshkin, exhausted and feverish from the night’s ordeals, tries to steady himself as the intrigue around Rogojin and Evgenie deepens.
Who Appears
- Hippolyte TerentieffFeverish and volatile; exposes Lebedeff’s editing, swings from despair to rage, curses Myshkin, and is taken away.
- Prince Lev Nikolaevich MyshkinHost; forgiving and anxious; anticipates Hippolyte’s outburst and bears the Epanchins’ anger and Aglaya’s ultimatum.
- Lizabetha Prokofievna EpanchinOutraged by the intrigue; comforts Hippolyte maternally, then leaves offended with her family.
- Evgenie PavlovitchSparrs with Hippolyte on ideas; later confronted by a lady about IOUs allegedly bought by Rogojin; denies knowledge.
- LebedeffAdmits revising Keller’s article and supplying details; fawns over Myshkin; comments on Hippolyte’s shame.
- KellerConfirms Lebedeff’s help with his article; offers to stay the night to watch Hippolyte.
- General Ivan Fedorovitch EpanchinDefends his wife’s presence, urges practical care for Hippolyte, then departs indignantly.
- Aglaya EpanchinAngrily demands Myshkin expel the ‘riff-raff’ or lose her; leaves without farewell.
- Adelaida EpanchinParts kindly with Myshkin despite the scene.
- Alexandra EpanchinQuietly supportive; departs civilly after the confrontation.
- BurdovskyStands by as Hippolyte prepares to leave with his group.
- DoktorenkoArranges a cab and presses about Hippolyte’s lodging; leaves with him.
- Varvara ArdalionovnaSilent observer throughout the evening’s turmoil.
- Vera LebedeffBrings tea; present during Hippolyte’s revelations.
- Unknown lady in carriageAddresses Evgenie; announces Rogojin bought Kupferov’s IOUs, sparking fresh suspicion.