PART FOUR
Summary
Kolya Krassotkin, the boy whom the captain's son stabbed earlier on, is
a mature 13 year-old. His knowledge of history and socialism impresses those
around him. He has been training a dog, Perezvon (Ringing Bells), to do
tricks. With his friend, Smurov, they head to the captain's house to visit
the bed-ridden Ilyusha (the captain's son). When Kolya encounters Alyosha
at the door, they immediately engage in conversation. Kolya explains how
he had taken on Ilyusha as his "protegé" until the boy
had defied him. When Ilyusha and his friends attempted feed a dog name Zhutchka,
a needle-filled crust of bread Kolya made him feel guilty for its possible
death. At Ilyusha's beside Kolya continues to taunt the sick boy, making
him feel worse. He then calls in Perezvon and admits that it was Zhutchka
all along. The toy cannon that is also given by Kolya, is particularly liked
by Illyusha's Mamma. When the doctor from Moscow enters to examine the boy,
Kolya and Alyosha converse further outside. Alyosha quickly learns that
all of Kolya's knowledge is simply rubbish and repetition. When Kolya confesses
his precocity, Alyosha is drawn to him. The doctor announces that Ilyusha
has little time to live. Alyosha vows to visit the boy often.
Analysis
The purpose of this sway from the action is two-fold. First of
all, this is, once again, Dostoyevsky's chance to take a stab at the absurdity
of socialism. What better way to mock the socialist cause then place its
teachings in the mouths of thirteen-year-olds? [Please consult The Demons
if you wish to further understand Dostoyevsky's vehement opposition to the
socialist cause.] In addition, Dostoyevsky shows how Alyosha the Christ-like
figure, can influence youths. By entrusting the youth with the ideas of
Zosima, Alyosha a living hope. By accepting all as equals, Alyosha also
gains Kolya as a disciple.
I.-V. At Grushenka's/The injured foot/A
little demon/A hymn and a secret/Not you, not you!
Summary
Grushenka has been ill during the last two months. Alyosha has
become her confidant. She admits that she and Dmitri have been quarreling.
In addition, she begs him to discover what the secret is between Ivan and
Dmitri. On his way to the prison, Alyosha stops by Madame Khokhlakov's.
Not only is her foot injured, but her pride is also injured by scathing
remarks in the journal, Gossip. Alyosha also visits Lise, who professes
her obsession with pain and suffering. She prays to God to be tortured.
As Alyosha leaves, she crushes her hands in the door and cries out, "I
am a wretch..." At the prison entrance, Alyosha notices Rakitin. He
learns from Dmitri that Rakitin is writing an article about how environment
caused him to kill his father. Dmitri confesses that he is prepared to suffer
for his past sins. He hopes for a rewarding future with Grushenka. That
is why he is considering Ivan's secret offer to break out of prison. Though
Alyosha does not immediately approve, he does say the he always knew that
Dmitri was not guilty of parricide. Afterwards, Alyosha encounters Ivan
and Katerina. Ivan says that Katerina may have a document that proves Dmitri's
guilt. Ivan asks Alyosha who the killer is and the boy responds, "it
wasn't you who killed Father." "
Analysis
This section shows Dostoyevsky's ongoing belief in redemption
through physical suffering. This was the case in Crime and Punishment and
the Devils. Grushenka is at the same time overcoming her physical illness
and her involvement in the crime. The same is true for Madame Khokhlakov,
who subtly drove Dmitri to his father. Dmitri is also beginning the long
journey towards redemption. He is prepared to accept someone else's guilt,
since he has sinned in the past. His only fear is that he may not be able
to have those future days of joy without Grushenka by his side. In contrast,
Lise does not use suffering for redemption. It is shallow and superficial.
She delights in reviling in everyone.
Here are web sites for some of the subjects
mentioned in the book:
VI.-X. The first interview with Smerkyakov/The
Second visit to Smerdyakov/The third and last interview with Smerdyakov/The
devil. Ivan Fyodorovich's nightmare/"It was he who said that!"
Summary
Ivan's sickness began after his first encounter with Smerdyakov.
The servant accuses Ivan of suspecting the murder and fleeing to Moscow
in order not to get involved. Ivan threatens to reveal that Smerdyakov can
sham seizures. Smerdyakov counters with promising not to say anything of
their conversation the night before the murder. In the second meeting, Smerdyakov
says that Ivan silently assented to Fyodor's murder by leaving since he
wanted the inheritance. Ivan goes to see Katerina, who shows him a letter
from Dmitri that proves Dmitri's guilt. Upon returning to see Smerdyakov,
the servant openly admits Fyodor. He argued that he only acted as an "instrument"
for Ivan. Ivan provided the moral justifications for the murder. Shocked,
Ivan returns home to find a devil dressed as a shoddy French gentleman "sponger".
The devil tries to prove its existence by relying on Ivan's own weak arguments.
When he brings up Ivan's private fears, Ivan throws a cup at him. Immediately
thereafter, Alyosha shows up and says that Smerdyakov committed suicide.
Ivan says the devil had already told him so.
Analysis
Dostoyevsky uses the Smerdyakov interviews to solve the murder.
Of course, physical guilt is only half. Ivan's problem is metaphysical guilt.
By not being his "brother's keeper" and remaining in town, Ivan
is equally as guilty, according to Dostoyevsky.
Here are web sites for some of the subjects
mentioned in the book:
Summary
Analysis
Dostoyevsky uses this book to display the injustice of the Russian
courts. Neither convincing professional arguing from Fetyukovitch, or strong
emotional pleas from Ivan and Alyosha can sway the court's desire for what
they deem "justice". Even when the evidence against Dmitri becomes
extremely tenuous through sharp criticism of the witnesses' testimony, the
jury proclaims Dmitri's guilt. The two attorneys closing arguments are used
to this day as models of intricate legal thought.
Here are web sites for some of the subjects
mentioned in the book: