Crime and Punishment, Part 3, Chapter 4 summary

What happens

1. Sonia brings Katerina Ivanovna’s invitation to the funeral service and lunch, thanking Raskolnikov for the money that makes the arrangements possible.
2. Raskolnikov introduces Sonia to his family; after leaving, his mother voices suspicion, while Dounia defends Sonia against Luzhin’s claims.
3. Raskolnikov asks Razumihin to accompany him to Porfiry Petrovitch about a pawned ring and watch, and promises to visit Sonia.
4. An unidentified gentleman follows Sonia to her lodging and tells her that he occupies rooms next door.
5. Razumihin welcomes the explanation for Raskolnikov’s talk about jewelry during delirium, while Raskolnikov worries about what Porfiry knows.
6. Raskolnikov teases Razumihin about his embarrassment around Dounia, deliberately ensuring that they enter Porfiry’s apartment laughing.

In this chapter

What to notice

Raskolnikov’s private question reveals the anxiety beneath his stated concern for family keepsakes. He approaches Porfiry hoping to discover how much the investigator knows.

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