Crime and Punishment, Part 4, Chapter 4 summary
Part 4, Chapter 4 of 40 · 25 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Raskolnikov visits Sonia, challenges her faith and sacrifices, and asks her to read about Lazarus rising from death. He says he has broken with his family and promises to identify Lizaveta’s killer, while Mr. Svidrigaïlov secretly listens from the adjoining empty room.
What happens
- Raskolnikov visits Sonia at eleven and questions her about her lodging and Katerina Ivanovna’s family.
- Sonia defends Katerina Ivanovna, regrets hurting her, and insists that God protects the children.
- Raskolnikov kisses Sonia’s foot, honoring human suffering, but attacks her sacrifice as useless and questions her faith.
- Sonia reads the raising of Lazarus from the book Lizaveta gives her, hoping Raskolnikov comes to believe.
- Raskolnikov announces his break with his family, urges Sonia to join him, and promises to name Lizaveta’s killer.
- Sonia spends a feverish night, while Mr. Svidrigaïlov prepares a chair for further secret listening.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Raskolnikov explains his startling act of kissing Sonia’s foot. His recognition of suffering sits beside his cruel questioning of her choices.
Quick check
Who secretly listens to Raskolnikov’s conversation with Sonia?
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