The Brothers Karamazov · Chapter
III: A Little Demon explained
Alyosha visits Lise Hohlakov, who is in a feverish and agitated state.
What happens
Alyosha visits Lise Hohlakov, who is in a feverish and agitated state. She confesses her love for disorder, her desire to set fire to the house, and her belief that everyone secretly loves crime. She gives Alyosha a letter for Ivan and, after he leaves, deliberately pinches her finger in the door, whispering that she is a wretch.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Corruption
Lise's confession of wanting to do evil and her delight in the idea of crime contrast with her youthful appearance and Alyosha's innocence.
Love and Self-Sacrifice
Alyosha's willingness to weep for Lise and his patient listening reflect self-sacrificing love, while Lise rejects conventional love for a desire to be tortured.
Faith and Doubt
Lise's dream of devils and her longing to revile God, alongside her questioning of holy things, highlight her struggle with faith.
Characters to notice
- Alyosha Karamazov
Visits Lise, listens to her confessions, and receives a letter for Ivan.
- Lise Hohlakov
In a feverish state, expresses a longing for disorder and crime, gives Alyosha a letter for Ivan, and later pinches her finger.
- Ivan Karamazov
Recipient of the letter Lise gives to Alyosha.
- Dmitri Karamazov
Mentioned as being in prison; Lise sent him sweets.
- Madame Hohlakov
Mentioned as having kept Alyosha and as reading books that Lise steals.
- Pyotr Fomitch Kalganov
Mentioned by Lise as someone who dreams and has made love to her.
Key passages
“There are moments when people love crime”
Alyosha acknowledges that people can be drawn to wrongdoing at certain times.
Alyosha's thoughtful response to Lise's confession about loving crime.
“I want to destroy myself. There's a boy here, who lay down between the railway lines when the train was passing. Lucky fellow!”
Lise expresses a desire for self-destruction, envying a boy who committed suicide by train.
Lise's morbid fascination with death and destruction.
“Give it to him, you must give it to him! Today, at once, or I'll poison myself! That's why I sent for you.”
Lise urgently commands Alyosha to deliver her letter to Ivan immediately, threatening suicide if he does not.
Lise's desperate and manipulative demand regarding the letter for Ivan.