Epilogue: Chapter 2 Summary

Raskolnikov has fallen ill from shame and wounded pride. Previously, his high ambitions gave purpose to his life, but now, reduced to simply surviving, he sees no value in life. He has not repented of his deed. He still thinks that one's success determines whether one is seen as a 'benefactor of mankind' or a criminal. He still thinks it is his weakness, not his actions, that make him a failure and a criminal.

In the hospital, Raskolnikov dreams of a world infected by a terrible virus that is making people violent and aggressive while also giving them the illusion of being morally correct. Chaos and war breaks out at all levels of society, since each person defends his own ideas to the death and no agreements can be reached. The dream haunts him.

Sonia falls sick and disappears for a...