Crime and Punishment
by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Crime and Punishment focuses on the mental anguish and moral dilemmas of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, an impoverished St. Petersburg ex-student who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her money.
Source: Dostoyevsky, F. (1866). Crime and Punishment (Constance Garnett, Trans.). Moscow, Russia: The Russian Messenger.
- Translator's Preface
- A brief introduction to the text by the translator, Constance Garnett.
- Part 1, Chapter 1
- Raskolnikov walks to the pawnbroker in an attempt to alleviate his mounting debt.
- Part 1, Chapter 2
- Marmeladov tells his story to Raskolnikov over a drink. Raskolnikov follows Marmeladov home and decides to share what little he has after viewing the level of poverty the family lives in.
- Part 1, Chapter 3
- Raskolnikov receives news regarding his sister.
- Part 1, Chapter 4
- Raskolnikov's ponders Dunya's decision as he travels to the home of a friend.
- Part 1, Chapter 5
- Raskolnikov dreams of his childhood. A chance encounter leaves Raskolnikov feeling out of sorts.
- Part 1, Chapter 6
- Raskolnikov's hatred for Alyona is recounted.
- Part 1, Chapter 7
- Raskolnikov's attack on Alyona and Lizaveta is interrupted suddenly by two men. Raskolnikov narrowly escapes.
- Part 2, Chapter 1
- A restless and delirious Raskolnikov receives a summons from the police station.
- Part 2, Chapter 2
- An agitated Raskolnikov returns to his room where he considers, but later hides his stolen goods. Raskolnikov pays a visit to Razumikhin.
- Part 2, Chapter 3
- Raskolnikov's health continues to decline, eventually resulting in a period of unconsciousness. Raskolnikov is introduced to Zossimov.
- Part 2, Chapter 4
- Zossimov accepts an invitation from Razumikhin. Zosimov, Razumikhin, and Nastasya discuss the pawnbroker's murder and the subsequent arrest of a painter.
- Part 2, Chapter 5
- Luzhin, Dunya's fiancé introduces himself to Raskolnikov, Zossimov, and Razumikhin. Zossimov takes note of Rskolnikov's agitation when the murder of the pawnbroker is mentioned.
- Part 2, Chapter 6
- Raskolnikov has a strange conversation with Zamyotov, the police inspector, at the local diner.
- Part 2, Chapter 7
- Raskolnikov provides some assistance to the dying Marmeladov and his family. After returning home Raskolnikov once again callapses.
- Part 3, Chapter 1
- Pulcheria and Dunya are greatly affected by Raskolnikov's condition. Razumikhin's affections for Dunya are fully divulged to the reader.
- Part 3, Chapter 2
- Razumikhin awakens the next morning greatly regretting the previous night. Dunya, Pulcheria, and Razumikhin visit Raslolnikov.
- Part 3, Chapter 3
- Raskolnikov's condition improves, for a little while at least. Raskolnikov makes a confession to Pulcheria. Raskolnikov becomes agitated when discussing Dunya's upcoming nuptials.
- Part 3, Chapter 4
- Sonia invites Raskolnikov to Marmeladov's funeral. Raskolnikov makes a request of Razumikhin, before teasing him about his feelings for Dunya.
- Part 3, Chapter 5
- Razumikhin is embaressed by Raskolikov's behavior. Porfiry questions Raskolikov about the crime at the pawnbrokers.
- Part 3, Chapter 6
- Raskolnikov fearing the police suspect him of the murders, has a strange encounter with a stranger on the street.
- Part 4, Chapter 1
- Svidrigailov asks for Raskolnikov's help in finding Dunya. Svidrigailov recounts the circumstances of his marriage.
- Part 4, Chapter 2
- Razumikhin confirms Raskolnikov's fears. Dunya and Pulcheria are upset by the news of Svidrigailov's arrival in St. Petersburg.
- Part 4, Chapter 3
- Raskolnikov tells the group about Svidrigailov's proposal. Dunya presents a proposal to her brother. Razumikhin realizes who is responsible for the pawnbroker's death.
- Part 4, Chapter 4
- Raskolnikov pays a visit to Sonya, who is surprised and frightened by his presence. Svidrigailov listens in on Raskolnikov and Sonya's conversation in private.
- Part 4, Chapter 5
- Raskolnikov visits Porfiry Petrovich at the police station, presenting him with a request for the items from the pawnbroker's shop.
- Part 4, Chapter 6
- Raskolnikov and Porfiry's conversation is suddenly interrupted by an agitated Nikolai, leaving him hopeful he will not be caught.
- Part 5, Chapter 1
- Luzhin, realizing his engagement with Dunya is ending, regrets his decisions.
- Part 5, Chapter 2
- The narrator discusses Katerina's spending of the money given to her by Raskolnikov. Katerina, whose health appears to be failing, treats her guests rudely.
- Part 5, Chapter 3
- Luzhin accusations of theft anger Katerina, whose attempt to clear Sonia's name only further implicates her. Lebezyatnikov's appearance signals an end to Luzhin's deceptive plan. The Marmeladovs are evicted.
- Part 5, Chapter 4
- Sonya is told of her families troubles. Raskolnikov finally admits his crimes to Sonia, who promises not to abandoned him in his time of need.
- Part 5, Chapter 5
- Lebeziatnikov and Raskolnikov discuss Katerina's health as Sonia goes to check on her. Sonia finds a barely coherent Katerina overcome by her physical illness. Svidrigailov offers to take care of all funeral arrangements.
- Part 6, Chapter 1
- Having witnessed the death of Katerina, Raskolnikov wanders the streets in a daze lingering outside Sonia's building. Razumikhin pays a visit to Raskolnikov. Razumikhin leaves as Porfiry arrives to speak with Raskolnikov.
- Part 6, Chapter 2
- Porfiry, although having extracted a murder confession from the painter, tells Raskolnikov who he believes really committed the crimes.
- Part 6, Chapter 3
- Raskolnikov finds Svidrigailov in a café where he discusses his relationship with Dunya.
- Part 6, Chapter 4
- Svidrigailov discusses his relationship with Marfa Petrovana and current engagement, ensuring Raskolnikov that he no longer has any interest in Dunya.
- Part 6, Chapter 5
- Svidrigailov attempts to manipulate Dunya by using Raskolnikov's secret against her.
- Part 6, Chapter 6
- Svidrigailov visits Sonia, assuring her that her family will be taken care of. After a series of strange dreams, a dazed Svidrigailov uses Dunya's revolver to take his own life.
- Part 6, Chapter 7
- Raskolnikov visits his mother, who is overjoyed to see him but taken aback by his behavior. Upon returning to his apartment, Raskolnikov encounters Dunya.
- Part 6, Chapter 8
- Raskolnikov visits Sonya's home to pick up his cross, before heading to the police station to confess his crimes.
- Epilogue
- Raskolnikov's goes to trial and is sentenced to 8 years hard labor in Siberia. Razumikhin and Dunya finally marry. While in prison, Raskolnikov finds redemption and renewal.