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The Idiot, Chapter 7 summary

Chapter 7 of 50 · Part 1 · 20 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 7, the prince carries Gania’s note to Aglaya, who rejects his attempt to exchange a marriage prospect for encouragement from her. After she returns the letter through the prince, Gania lashes out at him, but the prince objects to his insults and accepts his apology.

What happens

  1. The prince compares Aglaya’s beauty with Nastasia Philipovna’s, prompting Lizabetha Prokofievna to request the portrait.
  2. Gania asks the prince to deliver a private note to Aglaya, and the prince kisses Nastasia Philipovna’s portrait before returning.
  3. Lizabetha Prokofievna questions Gania about marriage, and he denies that he intends to marry.
  4. Aglaya shows the prince Gania’s letter and rejects his demand for encouragement before he abandons a hundred thousand roubles.
  5. Outside, the prince returns the note and explains Aglaya’s response, provoking Gania’s rage and jealousy.
  6. The prince threatens to find different lodgings when Gania insults him, then accepts his apology and accompanies him home.

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In this chapter

Nastasia PhilipovnaAglayaGaniaTheme: Money and marriage

What to notice

Aglaya identifies the exchange she sees behind Gania’s plea. Her refusal turns his appeal for sympathy into an exposure of his conditions.

Quick check

Why does the prince read Gania’s private note?

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