Crime and Punishment: Part 3, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Sonya arrives at Raskolnikov's apartment, abashedly, and Raskolnikov realizes that her arrival in the room seems to indicate that they are on close terms, which in fact they are not. Raskolnikov nevertheless invites her in and asks her to sit. Sonya brings a message from Katerina, that Raskolnikov be so kind as to attend Marmeladov’s funeral the following morning. Sonya says her mother will also be preparing a funeral meal with Raskolnikov’s money. Pulcheria and Dunya leave together.

Outside, Pulcheria tells Dunya that Raskolnikov appears quite ill. Pulcheria believes that Sonya might be at the root of her son’s troubles, but Dunya blames Luzhin for planting this idea in her mother’s head. Back in Raskolnikov’s room, Sonya stays while Razumikhin tells his friend that Porfiry, the investigator, is interviewing those who have pawned items with the old crone. Raskolnikov admits that he pawned some items there and tells Razumikhin he fears these items might have been stolen by the murderer. They resolve to see Porfiry.

Sonya thanks Raskolnikov again for his kindness. Raskolnikov promises to visit Sonya, which makes her nervous because she lives in such a small room. A man of about fifty follows Sonya home, and when she reaches her building, he announces, oddly, to her that it is his third day in Petersburg, and they are neighbors in the Kapernaumovs’ house.

Walking to Porfiry’s, Razumikhin is curious about when Raskolnikov pawned items at the old crone’s, and seems reassured to note that his friend’s ravings regarding the murder might be traced to his business relationship with the woman. Raskolnikov grows nervous as they approach Porfiry’s office, and tells himself he must act naturally and betray no special interest in the case. Raskolnikov changes the subject by remarking on Razumikhin’s happiness and enlivened appearance, hinting that Razumikhin has a romantic interest in Dunya.