Crime and Punishment: Part II, Chapter 3
The recap, key beats, and evidence for Part II, Chapter 3, without reopening the whole book.
Section recap · 2 min read
What happens in Part II, Chapter 3.
Raskolnikov is well enough to receive visitors. Razumikhin brings the doctor Zosimov, and a stranger named Luzhin arrives. Luzhin is engaged to Raskolnikov's sister Dunya and has come to introduce himself. Raskolnikov immediately dislikes him and the meeting turns hostile. Luzhin is presented as calculating and self-interested, a man who wants a wife he can feel superior to. Raskolnikov sees through him at once, which is one of the few moments in this section where his perception works clearly rather than paranoid.
The beats worth remembering.
Luzhin's self-presentation
Luzhin explains his views on economics and marriage in a way that reveals he values Dunya partly because she will owe him everything. He frames exploitation as rational self-interest.
Raskolnikov's open hostility
Raskolnikov tells Luzhin directly that his reasoning about helping people is just selfishness dressed up as philosophy. The confrontation is sharp and Luzhin leaves offended.
Razumikhin's reaction
Razumikhin also dislikes Luzhin but is surprised by how aggressively Raskolnikov attacks him. It signals that Raskolnikov's social behavior has become unpredictable and hard to manage.
The moments you can actually use later.
Luzhin's theory of self-interest
Luzhin argues that if everyone pursues their own rational benefit, society improves overall. Raskolnikov attacks this view directly, and students can use this exchange to show how the novel critiques utilitarian logic from multiple angles.
Raskolnikov's diagnosis of Luzhin
Raskolnikov tells Luzhin that his logic leads to a world where any cruelty can be justified as long as it benefits the actor. This is a moment where Raskolnikov sees his own theory reflected back at him, even if he does not say so explicitly.
What to carry forward.
Luzhin mirrors Raskolnikov's theory
Luzhin uses a version of rational self-interest to justify his choices, which is uncomfortably close to Raskolnikov's own logic. The difference is that Raskolnikov can see how ugly it looks from the outside.
Dunya's situation adds stakes
Dunya is considering marrying Luzhin partly to help Raskolnikov financially. His rejection of Luzhin is also a rejection of that sacrifice, which will create conflict with his family later.
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How this guide is built
This guide is built from the original text to help you get oriented fast. It is designed for recall, paper planning, and getting unstuck, but it is still a paraphrased guide, not a substitute for the reading itself. Double-check anything important before you turn in formal work.