The Brothers Karamazov, Part 4, no. 80, Chapter 1 summary
Part 4, no. 80, Chapter 1 of 96 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Dmitri Karamazov’s trial begins before a packed courtroom, where public curiosity, personal prejudice, and the lawyers’ reputations shape expectations. His angry response to news of Smerdyakov’s death damages his appearance before the court, but he firmly denies murdering or robbing his father as the hearing moves toward witness testimony.
What happens
- Visitors crowd the courtroom, while most female spectators favor Dmitri and most male spectators hope for conviction.
- The narrator describes the lawyers, judges, jury, and bloodstained objects displayed as evidence.
- Dmitri enters in expensive new clothes, and Fetyukovitch appears as his defense counsel.
- The announcement of Smerdyakov’s death provokes an angry outburst from Dmitri and a warning from the President.
- After the opening statement, Dmitri admits his dissolute conduct but denies killing or robbing his father.
- The witnesses take their oaths, except Dmitri’s brothers, and the court begins calling them individually.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Dmitri distinguishes his admitted misconduct from the specific crimes charged against him. His forceful denial also exposes the emotional intensity that repeatedly brings warnings from the President.
Quick check
What provokes Dmitri’s first outburst during the proceedings?
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