Crime and Punishment · Chapter
III explained
Raskolnikov's mother and sister visit him in his room, where he is being attended by the doctor Zossimov.
What happens
Raskolnikov's mother and sister visit him in his room, where he is being attended by the doctor Zossimov. Though physically improved, Raskolnikov is pale, sombre, and speaks with a sense of performing a duty, his manner marked by hidden suffering and irritation. The conversation touches on his health, his plans to return to university, and the contentious letter from Luzhin. Raskolnikov criticizes Luzhin's writing and reveals the slander within it, leading to a family decision that he and Razumihin will be present for the evening meeting with Luzhin.
Themes in this chapter
Psychological Torment
Raskolnikov's improved physical state contrasts sharply with his inner agony; he bears conversations 'like a wounded man,' with every word seeming 'to touch on some sore place,' revealing the ongoing mental suffering beneath his controlled exterior.
Alienation and Isolation
Despite the presence of his loving family, Raskolnikov remains emotionally distant; his interactions are performed 'as a duty,' and he feels the 'special attention' from Zossimov as a weight, highlighting his profound sense of separation even in company.
Characters to notice
- Raskolnikov
Appears physically better but psychologically tormented; interacts with family and friends with a sense of bitter duty, analyzes Luzhin's letter with cold precision, and agrees to attend the tense family meeting.
- Dostoevsky
Not present as a character in the narrative. This ID is from the canonical list but does not appear in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
- Mihail Dostoevsky
Not present as a character in the narrative. This ID is from the canonical list but does not appear in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
- Plestcheiev
Not present as a character in the narrative. This ID is from the canonical list but does not appear in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
- Dourov
Not present as a character in the narrative. This ID is from the canonical list but does not appear in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
- Grigoryev
Not present as a character in the narrative. This ID is from the canonical list but does not appear in the provided excerpts for this chapter.
Key passages
“He looked like a wounded man or one who has undergone some terrible physical suffering.”
His appearance suggested deep injury or immense agony, though the source was psychological.
Highlights the physical manifestation of Raskolnikov's internal psychological state.
“He saw later that almost every word of the following conversation seemed to touch on some sore place and irritate it.”
The doctor observed that the family discussion persistently aggravated Raskolnikov's hidden psychological wounds.
Emphasizes the fragility of Raskolnikov's psyche and how ordinary conversation causes him pain.
“It is expressed in legal style, and sounds coarser than perhaps he intended... In all this I see a too hasty desire to slander me and to raise dissension between us.”
Raskolnikov analyzes Luzhin's letter, noting its clumsy legal jargon and identifying its true purpose: to defame him and create conflict within the family.
Demonstrates Raskolnikov's analytical, distrustful mind and his role as a protector against Luzhin's manipulations.