The Brothers Karamazov, Part 4, no. 95, Chapter 2 summary
Part 4, no. 95, Chapter 2 of 96 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, Alyosha reassures the hospitalized Mitya that he need not accept punishment for a murder he does not commit, while Mitya describes his escape plans. Katya visits and admits that hatred briefly makes her believe her own testimony, but her emotional reconciliation with Mitya ends in renewed resentment when Grushenka refuses forgiveness.
What happens
- Mitya receives Alyosha in his separate hospital room and anxiously waits for news of Katya.
- Alyosha refuses to condemn escape, and Mitya imagines living with Grushenka in America before returning to Russia in disguise.
- Katya admits that she believes Mitya guilty only during her testimony, when hatred overcomes her.
- Grushenka unexpectedly enters, refuses Katya’s request for forgiveness, and asks her to save Mitya.
- Alyosha follows Katya outside, where she explains her wish for self-punishment and sends him toward a funeral.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Katya distinguishes her momentary conviction during testimony from her underlying belief in Mitya’s innocence. Her admission connects anger with a temporary acceptance of an accusation.
Quick check
Why does Katya say she asks Grushenka to forgive her?
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