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The Idiot, Part 4, Chapter 10 summary

Part 4, Chapter 10 of 50 · 21 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 10, Muishkin prepares to marry Nastasia Filippovna despite public hostility, attempts to restrain him, and warnings about Rogozhin, but she escapes with Rogozhin before reaching the church. The prince calmly receives curious visitors afterward, then privately asks Vera to wake him for the first train to Petersburg.

What happens

  1. During wedding preparations, Muishkin attends Kolya’s father’s funeral, notices Rogozhin, and faces growing public curiosity and opposition.
  2. Lebedev admits his failed attempt to establish Muishkin’s mental incapacity, while Hippolyte frightens the prince with unsupported warnings about Rogojin.
  3. Nastasia alternates between delight in her wedding preparations and severe distress, which the prince tries to soothe.
  4. As Nastasia leaves for the church, she spots Rogojin, begs him to rescue her, and escapes with him by train.
  5. Muishkin receives the news calmly and disarms intrusive spectators by inviting them inside for tea.
  6. Once alone, the prince becomes agitated and secretly asks Vera to wake him for an early journey to Petersburg.

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In this chapter

MuishkinNastasia PhilipovnaRogojinHippolyte

What to notice

Nastasia Filippovna’s appeal abruptly ends the wedding preparations. She turns to the very man she earlier fears might kill her.

Quick check

Why do Keller and Burdovsky abandon their pursuit of Nastasia?

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