Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky | Part 6, Chapters 3–4 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Raskolnikov and Svidrigaïlov have a tense encounter where Raskolnikov threatens to kill Svidrigaïlov if he harms Dunya, and Svidrigaïlov reveals his manipulative actions towards women.

Key Insights

• 🥺 Raskolnikov's guilt consumes him, leading to his avoidance of Sonia and suspicion towards Svidrigaïlov.
• ❓ The encounter between Raskolnikov and Svidrigaïlov reveals Svidrigaïlov's manipulative and immoral nature.
• ❓ Svidrigaïlov's attempts to seduce Dunya highlight his dangerous obsession and disregard for others' well-being.
• ❓ Raskolnikov's threats demonstrate his protective nature towards Dunya and his willingness to resort to extreme measures.
• 🕶️ Svidrigaïlov's evasion of accusations suggests a darker truth behind his actions.
• 🙂 Marfa Petrovna's tolerance for Svidrigaïlov's infidelity sheds light on their dysfunctional marriage.
• 🤨 Svidrigaïlov's recent engagement to a young girl raises suspicions about his intentions and manipulative tendencies.

Transcript

in part six Chapter three of crime and punishment Porfiry leaves and Raskolnikov hurries to talk to CID rege I love Raskolnikov is avoiding Sonia because she reminds him of his need to confess he also worries that svidrigaïlov will report him to the police but he worries even more that he will use his knowledge of the crime to hurt Dounia if he dis... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Raskolnikov feel the need to confess?

Raskolnikov feels guilty about his crime and believes confessing would provide relief and atonement for his sins.

Q: Why does Raskolnikov threaten to kill Svidrigaïlov?

Raskolnikov perceives Svidrigaïlov as a potential threat to Dunya and warns him that any harm caused to her will result in his death.

Q: What manipulative actions does Svidrigaïlov reveal?

Svidrigaïlov admits to cheating at cards and having a passion for women. He also describes how he tried to seduce Dunya and manipulate her into believing she could save him from his depravity.

Q: Why does Svidrigaïlov evade accusations of rape and murder?

Svidrigaïlov dismisses the accusations as mere rumors and tries to change the subject, suggesting his guilt and involvement in such actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Raskolnikov feels the need to confess but avoids Sonia, who reminds him of his guilt. He becomes paranoid that Svidrigaïlov will expose him to the police and potentially harm Dunya.

• Raskolnikov spots Svidrigaïlov in a tavern and confronts him. Svidrigaïlov appears charming but deceptive, and Raskolnikov warns him to stay away from Dunya or face death.

• In another encounter, Raskolnikov accuses Svidrigaïlov of rape and murder, but Svidrigaïlov evades the accusations and reveals his problematic behavior towards women, including attempts to seduce Dunya.