Crime and Punishment, Part 2, Chapter 5 summary
Part 2, Chapter 5 of 40 · 16 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Pyotr Petrovitch Luzhin visits Raskolnikov, describes arrangements for his mother and sister, and defends self-interest before their conversation turns into a bitter quarrel. Raskolnikov drives him away after a dispute about his mother, then demands solitude, while Zossimov and Razumihin worry about his unusual response to the murder.
What happens
- Luzhin introduces himself, and Razumihin explains that Raskolnikov is recovering from illness.
- Luzhin describes temporary rooms for Raskolnikov’s mother and sister, but Razumihin criticizes the lodging.
- Luzhin argues that private gain benefits society, while Razumihin objects to empty talk and selfish uses of progressive ideas.
- Discussion shifts to the pawnbroker’s murder, and Razumihin argues that an inexperienced killer escapes through luck.
- Raskolnikov connects Luzhin’s theory with murder, challenges his motives for marriage, and threatens him for criticizing his mother.
- Luzhin leaves offended; Raskolnikov dismisses everyone, and Zossimov and Razumihin discuss his troubling interest in the murder.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Zossimov singles out the murder as the subject that breaks Raskolnikov’s indifference. His observation shifts attention from the quarrel to the patient’s mental state.
Quick check
Why does Razumihin argue that the murderer is inexperienced?
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