Crime and Punishment, Part 4, Chapter 3 summary
Part 4, Chapter 3 of 40 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Dounia and her mother welcome the break with Pyotr Petrovitch, while Razumihin proposes a publishing venture that offers them a shared livelihood. Raskolnikov then insists on separating from his family and entrusts them to Razumihin, whose silent exchange with him suggests a terrible, unnamed understanding.
What happens
- Pyotr Petrovitch resents his rejection, recalls his desire to control Dounia, and resolves to repair the break.
- Dounia admits that money tempted her, while her mother and Razumihin share relief over the broken engagement.
- Raskolnikov reports Svidrigaïlov’s money offer and request for a meeting, alarming Dounia and prompting Razumihin to promise protection.
- Razumihin proposes financing a publishing business with borrowed money and part of the women’s three thousand roubles.
- Raskolnikov abruptly asks his mother and sister to leave him alone, despite their distress.
- After an alarming silent exchange, Raskolnikov sends Razumihin back to the women, and Razumihin assumes a family role.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Raskolnikov separates his own needs from his family’s needs. The request places Razumihin in the caring role that Raskolnikov refuses to occupy.
Quick check
How does Razumihin propose raising the initial money for the publishing venture?
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