Crime and Punishment, Part 6, Chapter 4 summary
Part 6, Chapter 4 of 40 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Svidrigaïlov describes his marriage, his attempts to win Avdotya Romanovna, and his engagement to a girl not yet sixteen, while Raskolnikov questions his intentions. His stories of manipulating women deepen Raskolnikov’s suspicion that he still threatens Dounia, and Raskolnikov decides to follow him out of the restaurant.
What happens
- Svidrigaïlov describes his agreement with Marfa Petrovna, which allows limited infidelity but requires him to confess serious love.
- He avoids answering accusations about a child and a footman, then explains how he exploits Avdotya Romanovna’s pity.
- He recounts his failed pursuit of Avdotya Romanovna, including an offer of thirty thousand roubles to escape with him.
- Challenged about his intentions toward Dounia, he describes his engagement to a girl not yet sixteen.
- His account of befriending a thirteen-year-old dancer and her mother provokes Raskolnikov’s disgust.
- Svidrigaïlov pays and leaves; Raskolnikov decides to follow him as he heads toward the Hay Market.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Svidrigaïlov openly explains a method he uses to manipulate women. The claim frames his account of exploiting Avdotya Romanovna’s wish to reform him.
Quick check
What does Raskolnikov decide to do when Svidrigaïlov leaves the restaurant?
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