The Idiot, Part 3, Chapter 10 summary
Part 3, Chapter 10 of 50 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, the prince reads three disturbing letters in which a woman praises another woman, urges her union with him, and describes fears of murder. After a mistaken midnight visit, he meets the writer and Rogojin, and his distress deepens when he admits that he is not happy.
What happens
- After another painful dream, the prince finally reads the three letters he has feared opening.
- The writer idealizes her recipient and explains that bringing her together with the prince would resolve her own troubles.
- The letters describe a feared razor, imagined hidden remains, and the writer’s belief that her intended husband might kill her.
- The prince wanders for hours, then visits Alexandra’s household without realizing that it is already half past twelve.
- On his way home, the letter writer kneels before him, asks whether he is happy, and announces her departure.
- Rogojin confirms that he knows the letters, questions the prince’s happiness, and laughs when the prince answers no.
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Why does the prince misunderstand the situation when he visits Alexandra’s house?
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