Part 2: Chapter 1 Summary

Raskolnikov has not seen his mother and sister Dunya in three years, since he left home for the university in St. Petersburg. The women have come to introduce Dunya' fiancé and to visit Raskolnikov. They have learned of his disturbed mental state and the argument with Luzhin already, and are somewhat concerned. His mother badly wants to stay and take care of her son, but Razumikhin promises that he will stay instead. Their presence would only upset him more, he adds.

Dunya, who understands her brother well, watches him closely. He declares his opposition to her marriage. An emotional family quarrel follows, and is eventually smoothed over by Razumikhin. Capable and upbeat even though he's still a bit drunk, Razumikhin succeeds in calming the mother, making sleeping arrangements, and reassuring everyone. Then he rambles on, in drunken good humor, to Dunya...