The Brothers Karamazov, Part 4, no. 89, Chapter 10 summary
Part 4, no. 89, Chapter 10 of 96 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Fetyukovitch begins the defense by arguing that the evidence against Mitya looks powerful together but fails under individual examination. He offers a competing explanation of Mitya’s treatment of Grigory to show that psychological reasoning can support opposite conclusions, drawing laughter and approval at the prosecutor’s expense.
What happens
- Fetyukovitch begins simply and confidently, explaining that newspaper reports first persuade him to consider the prisoner innocent.
- He argues that local resentment toward Mitya can encourage prejudice, even in a capable prosecutor.
- He warns that psychological insight can turn legal argument into an invented story.
- He contrasts the prosecutor’s account of Mitya’s return to Grigory with an explanation based on pity.
- He uses the abandoned pestle and bloodied handkerchief to challenge claims of calculated self-protection.
- The audience responds with approval and laughter as Fetyukovitch exposes the uncertainty of psychological arguments.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Fetyukovitch makes his competing account an example of psychological reasoning’s weakness. His point is that persuasive explanations of motive do not necessarily establish facts.
Quick check
Why does Fetyukovitch offer a different psychological account of Mitya’s actions?
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