Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Crime and Punishment — Part IV — Chapter III
Overview
Luzhin reels from Dounia’s rejection, exposing his vanity and designs. Raskolnikov reports Svidrigaïlov’s puzzling offer of 10,000 roubles as the family relies on Marfa’s 3,000. Razumihin proposes a publishing venture and new lodgings, offering stability, but Raskolnikov abruptly severs himself, hinting a dark secret to Razumihin, who commits to protecting the women.
Summary
The chapter opens from Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin’s perspective as he leaves in shock after Dounia breaks the engagement. His wounded vanity and long-nurtured plan to dominate a grateful, virtuous wife are shattered, and he vows to reclaim control, especially fearing Svidrigaïlov while dismissing Razumihin.
Back with the family, Dounia blames herself for being tempted by Luzhin’s money, while Pulcheria Alexandrovna, surprisingly relieved, thanks God. Razumihin is overjoyed, but Raskolnikov remains detached. Dounia presses Raskolnikov about Svidrigaïlov; he recounts the visit and the offer of 10,000 roubles, describing Svidrigaïlov’s contradictions and possible madness, and confirms he refused the money.
They reflect on Marfa Petrovna’s legacy of 3,000 roubles, which now sustains them. Dounia shudders at Svidrigaïlov’s intentions; Razumihin vows to watch him. Conversation turns hopeful as Razumihin proposes a small publishing venture using part of the legacy and an uncle’s 1,000 roubles, plus renting a modest nearby flat so they can live together and work. Raskolnikov cautiously endorses the plan’s feasibility.
Suddenly, Raskolnikov decides to leave them, insisting on isolation and urging his mother and sister to forget him for now. His words alarm the women. In the corridor, he forbids Razumihin to ask questions and commands him to stay with them. As they lock eyes, Razumihin seemingly grasps a dreadful hint about Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov departs. Razumihin returns to calm the women, promises medical help and daily support, and effectively assumes the role of their steadfast protector and ally.
Who Appears
- Pyotr Petrovitch LuzhinSpurned fiancé; seethes with wounded vanity and control fantasies after Dounia breaks the engagement.
- Rodion RaskolnikovDetached and troubled; reports Svidrigaïlov’s offer, refuses the money, then abruptly isolates himself and hints a dark truth to Razumihin.
- Avdotya Romanovna (Dounia)Rejects Luzhin; regrets being tempted by money; fears Svidrigaïlov’s intentions; considers Razumihin’s publishing plan.
- Pulcheria AlexandrovnaRelieved by the rupture; grateful for Marfa’s 3,000; distressed by Raskolnikov’s withdrawal; calmed by Razumihin.
- Dmitri Prokofitch RazumihinElated by Luzhin’s exit; proposes a publishing venture and housing; vows to guard Dounia and her mother; senses Raskolnikov’s secret.
- Arkady Ivanovich SvidrigaïlovOffstage but central; offers Dounia 10,000 roubles and behaves inconsistently, prompting suspicion and fear.
- Marfa PetrovnaDeceased benefactor; her 3,000-rouble legacy sustains the family and enables Razumihin’s plan.