Crime and Punishment · Chapter
II explained
Razumihin wakes, tormented by shame over his drunken behavior the previous night, particularly his jealous criticism of Luzhin to Dunya.
What happens
Razumihin wakes, tormented by shame over his drunken behavior the previous night, particularly his jealous criticism of Luzhin to Dunya. He resolves to perform his duty to the Raskolnikov family in silence. After a conversation with Zossimov about Raskolnikov's fragile mental state, Razumihin goes to meet Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Avdotya Romanovna (Dunya) at their lodgings, where he is received with unexpected warmth and gratitude.
Themes in this chapter
Psychological Torment
Razumihin's intense self-loathing and shame over his actions. Zossimov's analysis of Raskolnikov's condition, linking external pressures (poverty, insult) to potential mental breakdown.
Guilt and Conscience
Razumihin's profound guilt over his 'base and mean' conduct, his harsh self-judgment, and his resolution to atone through silent service.
Characters to notice
- Raskolnikov
Asleep, described as sleeping 'like a dormouse.' His potential insanity and reaction to the police station incident are discussed by Zossimov and Razumihin.
- the landlady
Watches Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dunya from a crack in her door on the fourth floor, then slams it shut.
Key passages
“The most awful recollection of the previous day was the way he had shown himself 'base and mean,' not only because he had been drunk, but because he had taken advantage of the young girl's position to abuse her fiancé...”
Razumihin's deepest shame stems from drunkenly and jealously slandering Luzhin to Dunya, exploiting her vulnerable situation.
Highlights Razumihin's moral self-reckoning.
“These monomaniacs will make a mountain out of a molehill... and see their fancies as solid realities.”
Zossimov warns that a person with a fixed idea can distort minor events into major, reality-shaping obsessions.
Doctor's perspective on Raskolnikov's psychological state.
“When their eyes met, the door was suddenly shut with such a slam that Pulcheria Alexandrovna almost cried out.”
The landlady, having been spying on them, violently closes her door upon being seen, startling Raskolnikov's mother.
Ominous, watchful presence adding to the tension.