Part 3: Chapter 2 Summary

For the first time in weeks, Raskolnikov is nicely dressed and polite. Dunya who knows Raskolnikov best of all, suspects something false in his manner of speaking. Raskolnikov admits to giving the entire twenty rubles to the Marmaladov family, adding that he must have been mad and that he had no right to do so. However, his apology is quite insincere.

At a loss for words, his mother gently compares his little room to a tomb. She tells some local news, but Raskolnikov responds rudely and frightens her. His sister reproaches him for his cruel and insensitive manners. Chastened, he assures them that there is plenty of time to talk later, but then his blood runs cold as he realizes he will never again talk freely with his mother, nor to anyone.

Regarding the wedding, Dunya insists her brother is mistaken...