The Brothers Karamazov · Chapter
IV: A Hymn and a Secret explained
Dmitri, in prison, reveals to Alyosha that Ivan is planning his escape and insists that Alyosha not tell anyone.
What happens
Dmitri, in prison, reveals to Alyosha that Ivan is planning his escape and insists that Alyosha not tell anyone. Dmitri asks Alyosha point-blank if he believes he is guilty of parricide, and Alyosha declares he never believed it. Dmitri then discusses Rakitin's materialist ideas, his own regret at losing God, and his contempt for Rakitin's opportunism. Alyosha leaves deeply moved and goes to see Ivan.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
Dmitri expresses regret at losing God and discusses materialist explanations of consciousness, contrasting with Alyosha's unwavering faith.
Love and Self-Sacrifice
Alyosha's declaration of belief in Dmitri's innocence and his deep compassion for both brothers reflect self-sacrificial love.
Characters to notice
- Dmitri Karamazov
In prison, he reveals Ivan's escape plan, asks Alyosha if he believes him guilty, and discusses Rakitin's ideas and his own loss of faith.
- Alyosha Karamazov
Visits Dmitri in prison, declares his belief in Dmitri's innocence, and is deeply moved by Dmitri's despair.
- Ivan Karamazov
Mentioned as the instigator of the escape plan; Dmitri notes Ivan's belief in his guilt.
- Rakitin
Discussed by Dmitri as a materialist who plans to write an article about the case and who is courting Madame Hohlakov for her money.
Key passages
“I've never for one instant believed that you were the murderer!”
Alyosha swears he never thought Dmitri killed their father.
This moment of affirmation gives Dmitri new strength and hope.
“All things are lawful then, they can do what they like?”
Dmitri questions the moral implications of atheism, echoing Ivan's earlier philosophy.
Dmitri connects Rakitin's materialism to the idea that without God, anything is permitted.