The Brothers Karamazov, Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 96 · Part 1 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Alyosha returns to his father’s home before finishing school, visits his mother’s grave, and asks to enter the monastery because of his attachment to Zossima. His father grants permission with affection and drunken talk about punishment, while the narrator presents Alyosha’s kindness as acceptance without condemnation.
What happens
- The narrator describes Alyosha’s love of humanity, attachment to Zossima, and vivid childhood memory of his mother praying over him.
- Alyosha wins affection at home and school, refuses to resent insults, and endures classmates’ obscene teasing.
- After his benefactor dies, Alyosha lives with two women relatives, then leaves school early to visit his father.
- Grigory shows Alyosha his mother’s grave and explains that he pays for its marker himself.
- Fyodor Pavlovitch pays for prayers for his first wife, then gets drunk and abuses the monks.
- Alyosha asks to become a novice, and his father consents while confessing affection, guilt, and fear of hell.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Fyodor Pavlovitch’s confession makes Alyosha’s refusal to judge others central to their relationship. It also explains the father’s unusual tenderness.
Quick check
Who pays for the marker on Alyosha’s mother’s grave?
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