The Brothers Karamazov, Part 3, no. 61, Chapter 8 summary
Part 3, no. 61, Chapter 8 of 96 · 16 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, witnesses contradict Mitya’s account of his money, strengthening the prosecution’s case, while Grushenka affirms her faith in his innocence despite confirming damaging details. Exhausted, he dreams of impoverished mothers and a crying baby, wakes with intense gratitude for a small kindness, and agrees to sign the report.
What happens
- Trifon Borissovitch and other witnesses support claims that Mitya spends three thousand roubles on each visit to Mokroe.
- The Poles describe Mitya’s financial offer, encouraging the prosecution to suspect that he conceals money elsewhere.
- Maximov gives an inflated estimate, while Grushenka confirms Mitya’s spending claims and repeated threats against his father.
- Mitya declares his innocence to Grushenka, and her open trust gives him courage.
- He sleeps and dreams of a crying baby among destitute villagers, feeling an urgent desire to end their suffering.
- He wakes grateful for a pillow someone places beneath his head and agrees to sign the report.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Brothers Karamazov, 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
In this chapter
What to notice
The dream redirects Mitya’s attention from his own predicament to other people’s suffering. His grateful response to the pillow extends this emotional change into waking life.
Quick check
What does Mitya discover beneath his head when he wakes?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Brothers Karamazov, 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
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
