Part 4: Chapter 1 Summary

The silent man in Raskolnikov's room introduces himself as Svidrigaylov. After Raskolnikov recovers from his surprise at finding his sister's enemy, in his room, they realize they have a lot to discuss. They have an unusual, frank talk about Dunya, women, ghosts, and the afterlife. Raskolnikov asks if Svidrigaylov really drove his own wife into the grave but it seems claims she drank too much and had a stroke, which was hardly his fault. Svidrigaylov explains that his was an unconventional marriage, motivated mainly by his need to get out of debt. He was not bound by promises of fidelity, and his days were filled with entertainment, spending, socializing and idleness.

Suddenly Svidrigaylov reveals that his wife's ghost has visited him three times. Excitedly Raskolnikov sensed that 'something of the sort must be happening' to Svidrigaylov. They see that have something...