Crime and Punishment & Other Great Novels of Dostoevsky
by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Contents
Chapter XIII.
Overview
Myshkin arrives uninvited at Nastasia Philipovna’s intimate gathering and is unexpectedly embraced, intensifying existing rivalries. News that Rogojin is raising 100,000 roubles sharpens the stakes around Nastasia’s pending decision about Gania. In a feverish mood, she compels a cruel confession game; lots are drawn, with Ferdishenko to begin, leaving tensions exposed.
Summary
Prince Myshkin, anxious yet resolved, arrives at Nastasia Philipovna’s flat, uncertain how to address her about Gania. He is admitted without fuss and finds a small circle of her intimates: Totski, General Epanchin, Gania, Ptitsin, Ferdishenko, an old schoolmaster, a timid young man, an actress, and a quiet German lady.
Conversation centers on Rogojin, as Ptitsin reports Rogojin is drunkenly scrambling to raise 100,000 roubles by nightfall, offering any premium to secure it. The news unsettles Totski and the general, while Nastasia withholds her opinion. Gania is gloomy and recounts, at Nastasia’s prompting, his clash and apology to the prince, whom he now calls extraordinary.
Nastasia greets Myshkin warmly, and his dazzled admiration pleases her. She serves champagne and displays erratic, feverish behavior—laughing, turning pale, trembling, and repeatedly checking the time—signaling that she awaits a decisive moment. The atmosphere grows strained as the men weigh the implications for Nastasia’s choice regarding Gania amid Rogojin’s bid.
Seizing on the unease, Ferdishenko proposes a game: each guest must truthfully confess the worst act of their life. Despite objections from Totski and others, Nastasia insists, relishing its cruelty and originality. Lots are drawn: Ferdishenko first, then Ptitsin, General Epanchin, Totski, Myshkin, and Gania. As Ferdishenko prepares to begin, the room’s tensions peak, framing Nastasia’s looming decision.
Who Appears
- Nastasia PhilipovnaHostess; volatile and feverish, welcomes Myshkin, fixates on time, and insists on a confessional game amid looming marriage decision.
- Prince MyshkinArrives uninvited to warn Nastasia; is welcomed, admires her openly, and participates in the tense gathering and drawing of lots.
- FerdishenkoCynical jester who proposes the ‘worst deed’ game; drawn to speak first, needling others and pleasing Nastasia.
- Gania (Gavrila Ardalionovitch Ivolgin)Sullen suitor; recounts his conflict and apology to Myshkin; abstains from drink; drawn later in the confession order.
- General EpanchinAnxious guest; offers cautious commentary, resents Ferdishenko; uneasy about Nastasia’s decision and Rogojin’s money.
- Totski (Afanasy Ivanovitch)Former patron; tense and opposed to the game; worries over Nastasia’s unpredictability and Rogojin’s advances.
- PtitsinMoney man; reports Rogojin’s frantic efforts to raise 100,000 roubles; second in the game’s drawing.
- Old schoolmasterToothless elder; defends Myshkin’s honour with a blunt remark, then lapses into coughing and silence.
- ActressLively guest who suggests a game, then questions its taste; observes Nastasia’s feverish state.
- Timid young manShy guest; worries about confessing before ladies, highlighting the game’s cruelty.
- German ladyQuiet, well-dressed guest; contributes little but underscores the party’s strained mood.
- MaidAdmits Myshkin without question and attends to guests, signaling his acceptance into the gathering.