Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter XV.
Overview
Rogojin storms Nastasia Philipovna’s soirée with a raucous entourage and a parcel of 100,000 roubles, forcing a public showdown. Nastasia orchestrates the spectacle, denouncing Gania and exposing her suitors’ motives. Prince Myshkin defends her, proposes marriage, and discloses a potential large inheritance, which Ptitsin deems credible, sharply raising the stakes.
Summary
Katia announces the arrival of Rogojin and his unruly, half-sober band. Despite protests, Nastasia Philipovna invites them all in, determined to stage the climax she has prepared. The mixed company—curious, scandalized, and unsettled—stays to witness events, while General Epanchin wavers but remains out of curiosity and pride.
Rogojin enters pale and dazed, deposits a newspaper-wrapped parcel of cash on the table, and stands awaiting judgment. Nastasia declares it to be 100,000 roubles, recounting how Rogojin bargained for her that afternoon at Gania’s. She publicly shames Gania’s mercenary intent and recalls his sister’s defiance, provoking agitation among the guests.
As tensions rise, the actress urges Nastasia to take the money and expel Rogojin. Nastasia mocks her suitors, admits taking Totski’s support without yielding to him, and questions who would marry her with nothing. Prompted by Ferdishenko, Prince Myshkin quietly vows to marry her as an honest woman, not as Rogojin’s mistress. He professes love, defends her honor, and offers to work for them both, stunning the room.
Myshkin then reveals he may inherit a large fortune, producing a letter from the Moscow solicitor Salaskin. While some scoff, Ptitsin recognizes Salaskin’s handwriting and reputation, and begins to verify the claim. The possibility of Myshkin’s wealth transforms the dynamics, intensifying the confrontation as all watch Ptitsin read the letter.
Who Appears
- Nastasia PhilipovnaHostess who orchestrates a public reckoning; rejects Gania, confronts Rogojin, hears Myshkin’s proposal.
- Prince MyshkinDefends Nastasia’s honor, proposes marriage, and reveals a possible large inheritance via Salaskin’s letter.
- Parfyon RogojinArrives with a rough entourage and presents 100,000 roubles, intent on claiming Nastasia.
- PtitsinReads and validates the credibility of Salaskin’s letter about Myshkin’s inheritance.
- General EpanchinOffended yet curious observer; debates leaving but stays to watch the outcome.
- Totski (Afanasy Ivanovitch)Former patron; endures Nastasia’s public reproaches and observes the shifting stakes.
- FerdishenkoCynical onlooker who goads the scene and points to Myshkin’s willingness to marry.
- LebedeffTags along with Rogojin; nosily peers at the letter, eager around potential wealth.
- Gania (Gavrila Ardalionovich Ivolgin)Humiliated suitor, accused of mercenary motives and moral weakness.
- Daria AlexeyevnaActress friend urging Nastasia to take the money and expel Rogojin.
- KatiaFrightened maid who announces the arrival of Rogojin’s disorderly party.
- Old ProfessorAnxious elder who stays out of affection for Nastasia, bewildered by events.
- The BoxerRogojin’s hulking follower; retreats at the sight of high-ranking guests.
- The Beggar (retired sub-lieutenant)New hanger-on in Rogojin’s party; retreats nervously into the next room.
- Silent German BeautyDecorative guest, mute observer who does not understand the proceedings.
- ZaleshoffOne of Rogojin’s elegant followers, startled by the respectable company.