The Brothers Karamazov · Chapter
I: The Fatal Day explained
The trial of Dmitri Karamazov begins in the district court, drawing a large and polarized audience.
What happens
The trial of Dmitri Karamazov begins in the district court, drawing a large and polarized audience. The chapter describes the courtroom setup, the key figures present (including the prosecutor Ippolit Kirillovitch, the defense lawyer Fetyukovitch, and the President of the Court), and the public's divided sentiments—women largely favoring Mitya, men prejudiced against him. The proceedings open with the reading of the indictment, Mitya's outburst at the news of Smerdyakov's death, and his plea of guilty to dissipation but not to parricide or robbery.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Injustice
The trial's opening highlights the polarized public opinion and the legal machinery's attempt to determine guilt, while Mitya's plea distinguishes moral failings from criminal acts.
Sensuality and Moral Degradation
Mitya's reputation as a conqueror of female hearts and the public's focus on the two women rivals underscore the theme of sensuality and its consequences.
Characters to notice
- Dmitri Karamazov
The prisoner on trial; pleads guilty to drunkenness and debauchery but not to murder or theft; reacts violently to news of Smerdyakov's death.
- Fetyukovitch
Celebrated defense lawyer; enters the court in evening dress; his presence excites the audience.
- Ippolit Kirillovitch
The prosecutor; known for his passion for psychology and nervous temperament; rumored to be anxious about facing Fetyukovitch.
- Katerina Ivanovna
One of the two female rivals; object of general interest; rumored to intend to follow Mitya to Siberia.
- Grushenka
The other female rival; awaited with impatience; seen as a common Russian girl by the ladies.
- Smerdyakov
Deceased; his sudden suicide is announced in court, causing a stir; Mitya calls him a dog.
Key passages
“I plead guilty to drunkenness and dissipation, to idleness and debauchery. I meant to become an honest man for good, just at the moment when I was struck down by fate. But I am not guilty of the death of that old man, my enemy and my father. No, no, I am not guilty of robbing him! I could not be. Dmitri Karamazov is a scoundrel, but not a thief.”
Mitya admits to his vices and wasted life, claiming he was about to reform when fate intervened, but insists he did not kill or rob his father, asserting he is a scoundrel but not a thief.
Mitya's formal plea at the trial, distinguishing his moral failings from the capital crimes.
“He was a dog and died like a dog!”
Mitya shouts that Smerdyakov was a contemptible creature and died in a fittingly base manner.
Mitya's outburst upon hearing of Smerdyakov's suicide, revealing his contempt and possibly his awareness of Smerdyakov's role.