Crime and Punishment, Part 4, Chapter 6 summary
Part 4, Chapter 6 of 40 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Nikolay interrupts Porfiry Petrovitch’s questioning by confessing to the murders, allowing Raskolnikov to leave despite continuing suspicion. At home, Raskolnikov learns that the mysterious visitor supplied information about his suspicious behavior, and he gains confidence because he believes Porfiry lacks conclusive evidence.
What happens
- Nikolay forces his way into the room, kneels, and confesses to killing Alyona Ivanovna and Lizaveta Ivanovna with an axe.
- Porfiry questions Nikolay’s account, doubts its authenticity, and sends Raskolnikov away.
- On the stairs, Porfiry insists on further questioning, while Raskolnikov mocks his treatment of Nikolay.
- At home, Raskolnikov considers his narrow escape and prepares to attend Katerina Ivanovna’s memorial dinner.
- The mysterious visitor apologizes and explains that he reported Raskolnikov’s behavior and listened from Porfiry’s adjoining room.
- Raskolnikov concludes that the evidence remains uncertain and leaves with renewed confidence.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Crime and Punishment, 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
Raskolnikov treats the visitor’s explanation as reassurance that suspicion does not establish guilt. His fear shifts into confidence and a desire to resist.
Quick check
Who is concealed in the room beside Porfiry’s during Raskolnikov’s questioning?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Crime and Punishment, 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
