The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 summary
Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 of 96 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 6, Ivan discovers that Smerdyakov causes his depression and hears him describe how Fyodor Pavlovitch might be left unprotected against Dmitri. Smerdyakov reveals secret signals and possible financial motives for violence, while Ivan suspects deliberate arrangements but announces his departure for Moscow instead of taking protective action.
What happens
- Returning home after leaving Alyosha, Ivan recognizes Smerdyakov as the source of his unexplained depression.
- Smerdyakov urges Ivan to visit Tchermashnya and complains that Fyodor Pavlovitch and Dmitri threaten his peace and safety.
- He predicts a prolonged seizure and admits telling Dmitri the secret knocks that persuade Fyodor Pavlovitch to open his door.
- Smerdyakov explains that Grigory and Marfa may sleep deeply after taking medicine, leaving nobody able to intervene.
- He points to three thousand roubles intended for Grushenka and an inheritance that gives the brothers an interest in their father's death.
- Ivan nearly attacks Smerdyakov, announces a Moscow departure, questions the preference for Tchermashnya, and enters the gate laughing without joy.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Ivan recognizes the danger implied by Smerdyakov's account. His words make his proposed departure a question of responsibility, not merely travel.
Quick check
How does Dmitri learn the secret signals?
Cite this page
“The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-6-u37-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-6-u37-summary
“The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-6-u37-summary.
@misc{the_brothers_karamazov_part_2_chapter_6_u37_summary_2026,
title = {The Brothers Karamazov, Part 2, no. 37, Chapter 6 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-brothers-karamazov-part-2-chapter-6-u37-summary}
}
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