The Possessed, Part 3, Chapter 3 summary

What happens

1. At Skvoreshniki, Liza insists that her time with Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch is over, despite his pleas and declarations of love.
2. Pyotr Stepanovitch reports three murders, denies responsibility, and argues that Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch is now free to marry Liza.
3. Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch admits knowing about the planned killings without intervening, and Liza leaves the house.
4. Liza runs from Pyotr Stepanovitch, falls, and accepts Mavriky Nikolaevitch’s protection before demanding to see the murdered people.
5. On their way, they meet Stepan Trofimovitch, who speaks of forgiveness and his departure from his former life.
6. At the victims’ house, people accuse Liza, attackers knock her down, and she is carried away alive as Mavriky Nikolaevitch grieves.

In this chapter

What to notice

Stavrogin acknowledges responsibility despite denying direct participation. The admission ends Liza’s offer to trust him and prompts her departure.

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