Aller au contenu
The Library
of Alexandria
Se connecterTry 3 months free3 months free

Crime and Punishment, Part 4, Chapter 4 summary

Part 4, Chapter 4 of 40 · 25 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 4, Raskolnikov visits Sonia, challenges her faith and sacrifices, and asks her to read about Lazarus rising from death. He says he has broken with his family and promises to identify Lizaveta’s killer, while Mr. Svidrigaïlov secretly listens from the adjoining empty room.

What happens

  1. Raskolnikov visits Sonia at eleven and questions her about her lodging and Katerina Ivanovna’s family.
  2. Sonia defends Katerina Ivanovna, regrets hurting her, and insists that God protects the children.
  3. Raskolnikov kisses Sonia’s foot, honoring human suffering, but attacks her sacrifice as useless and questions her faith.
  4. Sonia reads the raising of Lazarus from the book Lizaveta gives her, hoping Raskolnikov comes to believe.
  5. Raskolnikov announces his break with his family, urges Sonia to join him, and promises to name Lizaveta’s killer.
  6. Sonia spends a feverish night, while Mr. Svidrigaïlov prepares a chair for further secret listening.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Crime and Punishment, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.

In this chapter

RaskolnikovSoniaSvidrigaïlovKaterina Ivanovna

What to notice

Raskolnikov explains his startling act of kissing Sonia’s foot. His recognition of suffering sits beside his cruel questioning of her choices.

Quick check

Who secretly listens to Raskolnikov’s conversation with Sonia?

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of Crime and Punishment, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
  • Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Try 3 months free