Crime and Punishment, Part 6, Chapter 3 summary

What happens

1. Raskolnikov seeks Svidrigaïlov, fearing that his knowledge of the secret gives him power over Dounia.
2. He spots Svidrigaïlov at a tavern window, notices his attempt to hide, and goes upstairs.
3. Svidrigaïlov explains that he supplies the tavern’s location before and describes watching Raskolnikov’s distracted movements.
4. Raskolnikov threatens to kill Svidrigaïlov if he exploits the secret to pursue his sister.
5. Svidrigaïlov discusses his past, defends his pursuit of women, and admits his fear of death.
6. When Raskolnikov starts to leave, Svidrigaïlov persuades him to hear about his sister’s attempt to reform him.

In this chapter

What to notice

Svidrigaïlov’s admission interrupts his playful boasting. It reveals a fear that his casual defense of pleasure does not erase.

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