IV: The Last Resolution explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Nihilism and Destruction

  Pyotr Stepanovitch's manifesto calls for bringing everything to the ground, reflecting a nihilistic drive to destroy existing social order, while Liputin's doubts highlight the tension between theory and Russian reality.

• Hypocrisy and Vanity in Society

  Pyotr Stepanovitch publicly denounces Yulia Mihailovna despite having been her intimate, exposing the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of social and political alliances.

• Possession and Demonic Influence

  Fedka accuses Pyotr Stepanovitch of being a 'chief murderer' and 'evil seducer,' framing his influence as demonic, while the violent confrontation and threats suggest a possession-like control over the group.

Characters to notice

• Pyotr Stepanovitch Verhovensky

  In a highly excited state, he visits Gaganov's house to spread rumors about Yulia Mihailovna and Stavrogin, later meets with the quintet to distribute manifestos and order printing, and is assaulted by Fedka before recovering to threaten Kirillov.

• Liputin

  Accompanies Pyotr Stepanovitch to Kirillov's house via a secret path, expresses doubts about the manifesto and the network, but is coerced into printing the manifestos using Shatov's press.

• Alexey Kirillov

  Found drinking tea on his sofa; he is visited by Pyotr Stepanovitch and Liputin, revives Pyotr Stepanovitch after Fedka's assault, and agrees to write and sign a dictated statement the next day.

• Fedka

  Confronts Pyotr Stepanovitch, accusing him of being the chief murderer and of atheism, then strikes him repeatedly, knocking him unconscious, before fleeing.

• Ensign Erkel

  Hosts the quintet meeting at his lodgings; a young officer who had been present at Virginsky's earlier, he is part of the group awaiting Pyotr Stepanovitch's instructions.

Key passages

• “And that proves you are the chief murderer. And do you know what you deserve for the very fact that in the depravity of your heart you’ve given up believing in God Himself, the true Creator?”

  Fedka accuses Pyotr Stepanovitch of being the primary killer and condemns his atheism as depraved.

  Fedka's outburst combines moral accusation with religious condemnation, highlighting the theme of nihilism versus faith.

• “Pyotr Stepanovitch flew into a violent rage. 'Tell me, have you seen Stavrogin today?' 'Don’t you dare to question me. Mr. Stavrogin is fairly amazed at you, and he had no share in it even in wish, let alone instructions or giving money. You’ve presumed with me.'”

  Pyotr Stepanovitch angrily asks about Stavrogin, but Fedka retorts that Stavrogin is astonished by Pyotr's actions and had no part in the plot.

  This exchange reveals the rift between Pyotr Stepanovitch and Stavrogin, with Fedka asserting Stavrogin's innocence.

• “If you take it into your head to run away tomorrow like that scoundrel Stavrogin,' he cried, pouncing furiously on Kirillov, pale, stammering, and hardly able to articulate his words, 'I’ll hang you⁠ ⁠… like a fly⁠ ⁠… or crush you⁠ ⁠… if it’s at the other end of the world⁠ ⁠… do you understand!'”

  After recovering from Fedka's assault, Pyotr Stepanovitch threatens Kirillov with death if he tries to flee like Stavrogin.

  Pyotr's violent threat underscores his desperation and control over the group, linking to the theme of possession and demonic influence.

• “He let slip in a rather unguarded way, too, that Yulia Mihailovna knew the whole secret of Stavrogin and that she had been at the bottom of the whole intrigue.”

  Pyotr Stepanovitch casually revealed that Yulia Mihailovna was aware of Stavrogin's secret and orchestrated the intrigue.

  This shows Pyotr's manipulation of public opinion, shifting blame to Yulia Mihailovna to protect himself.