Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky

by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Genre

Classics, Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology

Contents

The Idiot — Part II

Previous: Chapter XVI. Next: The Idiot — Part II — Chapter II

Overview

Six months pass after Nastasia’s flight, with Myshkin in Moscow settling his inheritance and winning society’s regard, only to vanish searching for Nastasia when she disappears before marrying Rogojin. In St. Petersburg, the Epanchins shift from suspicion to renewed interest, while new suitors appear and family plans change.

Colia grows close to the Epanchins and brings Aglaya a brief, heartfelt letter from Myshkin, quietly rekindling her interest.

Summary

Two days after Nastasia’s chaotic birthday, Prince Myshkin leaves St. Petersburg for Moscow to manage his unexpected fortune. For six months, only conflicting rumors surface. The Epanchin household grows tense and avoids his name, though curiosity about Myshkin remains strong.

Reports spread: Rogojin’s circle follows Nastasia to Moscow after an orgy at Ekaterinhof, and she then disappears. Gania falls ill, quits his post under General Epanchin, and grows morose; Varvara marries Ptitsin. It becomes known that Gania sought out Myshkin at dawn with the scorched banknotes, wept, and reconciled with him.

Princess Bielokonski writes Lizabetha Prokofievna that Myshkin is doing well, visiting respectable houses. The general confirms the inheritance is smaller than rumored and debt-laden; against advice, Myshkin insists on paying all claimants. The family warms again to mention of him.

Suddenly, news arrives that Nastasia, nearly set to wed Rogojin, has fled once more. Myshkin leaves his affairs to Salaskin and disappears, likely in search of her. Silence about him returns in the Epanchin home.

Spring brings changes: the Epanchins cancel a trip abroad; Adelaida accepts a proposal from the honorable Prince S—. His kinsman, Evgenie Pavlovitch, begins courting Aglaya, prompting the family to postpone travel further. Meanwhile, General Ivolgin lands in debtor’s prison; his wife, Nina Alexandrovna, visits and weeps for him.

Colia Ivolgin gains independence, befriends the Epanchins despite a spat with Lizabetha Prokofievna, and becomes a frequent visitor. At Easter, he privately delivers a short, affectionate note from Myshkin to Aglaya, asking if she is happy. Aglaya blushes, hides the letter in Don Quixote, and, though scornful outwardly, is inwardly moved.

Who Appears

Prince Lev Myshkin

Manages his inheritance in Moscow, pays creditors, gains respect, then disappears seeking Nastasia.
Aglaya Epanchin

Receives Myshkin’s intimate note via Colia; outwardly dismissive, secretly affected.
Lizabetha Prokofievna (Mrs. Epanchin)

Swings from disillusion to renewed approval after reports from Princess Bielokonski.
General Epanchin

Monitors Myshkin’s affairs; family plans shift amid new suitors and rumors.
Parfyon Rogojin

Pursues Nastasia to Moscow; nearly marries her before she vanishes again.
Nastasia Philipovna

Disappears after scandal; reappears near a wedding with Rogojin, then flees again.
Colia Ivolgin

Befriends the Epanchins and delivers Myshkin’s private letter to Aglaya.
Princess Bielokonski

Vouches for Myshkin in Moscow, easing the Epanchins’ doubts.
Adelaida Epanchin

Accepts Prince S—’s proposal, altering the family’s travel plans.
Evgenie Pavlovitch

Charming, wealthy officer introduced to the Epanchins; courts Aglaya.
Prince S—

Honourable suitor who proposes to Adelaida; connected to Evgenie.
Gavril (Gania) Ivolgin

Ill, resigns his post; reconciles with Myshkin over the scorched money.
Varvara Ardalionovna (Varia)

Marries Ptitsin; keeps the family informed of Myshkin-related news.
Ptitsin

Marries Varvara; a conduit of information about events in Moscow.
Ardalion Alexandrovitch Ivolgin

Confined to debtor’s prison, adjusts boisterously; pitied by his wife.
Nina Alexandrovna

Visits her husband in prison, weeping over his misfortune.
Totski

Breaks off with Alexandra and marries a French marquise.