Part 1: Chapter 2 Summary

At the bar, Raskolnikov meets Mr. Marmaladov, a civil servant (that is, a government employee) and an obvious alcoholic. The drunken man tells his pathetic life story; he lost his job and started drinking, thus forcing his wife to work and his daughter Sonia into prostitution. Nearly ruined, Marmaladov recovered his old job, and for a while his future looked bright. His wife bought him new clothes and showered him with affection, care, and good dinners. He dreamed of rescuing his daughter. But then his character failed, and he began to steal from his family so he could drink again. , At this point, he has lost his job again and fears going home. He asks Raskolnikov to imagine what it is like to have nowhere at all to turn for help. Raskolnikov accompanies Marmaladov home and meets his unfortunate family.

Part 1: Chapter 2 Analysis