The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 summary
Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 of 96 · 26 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Father Zossima urges Alyosha to find his older brother and explains how Alyosha reminds him of his own beloved brother, Markel. The account then turns to Zossima’s memories, showing how Markel’s dying joy, childhood encounters with Scripture, and conversations with ordinary people shape his teaching about faith and shared responsibility.
What happens
- Alyosha finds Father Zossima sitting with visitors, cheerful despite his weakness, and Porfiry confirms that a poor woman’s offering reaches a needy widow.
- Zossima urges Alyosha to seek his older brother urgently, explaining that his bow acknowledges the suffering he foresees.
- Zossima explains that Alyosha resembles his deceased brother in spirit, and the narrator introduces Alyosha’s written account of the elder’s memories.
- Markel rejects religion, then embraces faith during his fatal illness, expressing joy, gratitude, and responsibility toward everyone.
- Zossima recalls entering the Cadet Corps, losing his mother, and discovering lasting spiritual strength in childhood Scripture readings.
- He urges priests to read Scripture simply to villagers and recalls discussing the goodness of creation with a young peasant.
Free for 3 months
Read the whole of The Brothers Karamazov, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeRenews every year · Cancel anytime
In this chapter
What to notice
Markel locates joy in a changed way of seeing rather than restored health. His words connect his dying gratitude with Zossima’s teaching about love and creation.
Quick check
Why does Zossima say Alyosha is especially dear to him?
Cite this page
“The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-1-u39-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-1-u39-summary
“The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-1-u39-summary.
@misc{the_brothers_karamazov_part_2_chapter_1_u39_summary_2026,
title = {The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-1-u39-summary}
}
Free for 3 months
Read the whole of The Brothers Karamazov, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeRenews every year · Cancel anytime
Read Part 2, no. 39, Chapter 1 in the book
The whole book to read and hear, and the printed book, large print included, at cost.
Read free
