Crime and Punishment, Part 4, Chapter 5 summary
Part 4, Chapter 5 of 40 · 28 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Raskolnikov visits Porfiry Petrovitch, whose friendly chatter becomes a disturbing account of how uncertainty can break a suspect. When Porfiry reveals knowledge of his visit to the murdered woman’s apartment, Raskolnikov demands formal treatment and tries to leave, but a promised surprise and an unexplained interruption stop the interview.
What happens
- Raskolnikov arrives at eleven, waits without apparent surveillance, and resolves to control his fear and anger.
- Porfiry accepts his paper about the watch, avoids formal questioning, and unsettles him with chatter and laughter.
- Porfiry explains how leaving a suspect free can encourage fear, mistakes, and self-incrimination.
- Raskolnikov angrily demands arrest or proper questioning, while Porfiry offers water and discusses his illness.
- Porfiry reveals knowledge of the apartment visit and bell-ringing, offering explanations that Raskolnikov rejects as manipulative.
- As Raskolnikov tries to leave, Porfiry announces someone behind a locked door, and an unexpected disturbance interrupts them.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Porfiry identifies involuntary behavior as an investigator’s advantage. His argument directly unsettles Raskolnikov, who struggles to control his anger and physical reactions.
Quick check
What does Porfiry reveal that especially shocks Raskolnikov?
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