Part 5: Chapter 2 Summary

Mrs. Marmaladov spent half of Raskolnikov's twenty rubles on the elaborate funeral dinner, since she expected the most important residents of her building to come. Sadly, the event only draws a group of drunken, slovenly neighbors seeking a free meal. When Raskolnikov comes, Ms Marmaladov is delighted and gives him the place of honor; she speaks only to him and treats everyone else to her most vicious criticisms. The rest of the guests show their worst behavior, insulting each other and quarrelling. Mrs. Marmaladov and gets into a spiteful argument with her landlady about whose families have more noble ancestry. When the scene right reaches maximum chaos, the lawyer Luzhin enters.

Part 5: Chapter 2 Analysis

This chapter portrays the desperate, miserable atmosphere in which Sonia grew up. One appreciates Sonia's goodness even more when seen in contrast to her stepmother.

The chapter...