Crime and Punishment — Part III — Chapter III

Zossimov finds Raskolnikov markedly improved, though still pale and tense. Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dounia enter; Raskolnikov greets them with forced composure, masking irritation and inner turmoil. He thanks Zossimov and Razumihin, awkwardly reflecting on their care. He mentions getting blood on his clothes while helping a run-over clerk and admits he gave his mother’s money to the widow for the funeral, provoking mixed reactions.

The conversation turns uneasy as Zossimov theorizes about deranged actions. Raskolnikov’s mood shifts between sarcasm and detachment. Pulcheria Alexandrovna announces Marfa Petrovna Svidrigailov’s sudden death after a beating and a stroke; the news unsettles them but Raskolnikov reacts irritably to the gossip. He wavers between tenderness and alienation, recalling a past sickly love and feeling unable to speak freely about anything.

Seeking resolve, Raskolnikov reiterates his demand that Dounia break with Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin, calling the marriage base. Dounia counters that she chooses the lesser evil for her own sake and believes she can respect Luzhin. Their clash intensifies until Raskolnikov, dizzy but controlled, asks how she will be convinced of Luzhin’s esteem.

Dounia produces Luzhin’s letter forbidding Raskolnikov’s presence at an 8 p.m. visit. Raskolnikov coolly analyzes it as legalistic and coercive, highlighting the implicit threat to abandon them and a slander: he gave money to Marmeladov’s widow for the funeral, not to the “notorious” daughter. He takes this as evidence of Luzhin’s eagerness to sow discord and doubts Luzhin’s respect for Dounia.

Pressed for a decision, Raskolnikov defers to his mother and Dounia. Dounia asks him to come despite the ultimatum. They agree: Raskolnikov will attend the evening meeting with Luzhin, and Dounia invites Razumihin as well, choosing candor over appeasement and setting a direct confrontation.