Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

As the book opens, Luzhin senior reports to his wife that he has just broken the news to their ten-year-old son that he is to begin school on Monday. Young Luzhin has been a handful this summer, tormenting his governess and disengaged from his lessons. His parents have put off telling the boy of his enrollment, fearing that he will throw a tantrum. Now faced with the reality of being placed in a classroom, the boy is most struck by the idea that he will now be referred to as "Luzhin," a name he solely associates with his father.

Set to make their annual move from country to city, the family arrives at the St. Petersburg train station. Young Luzhin is petulant, ignoring his parents' efforts to cheer him up. Overcome by ennui, the tearful boy soon flees into the nearby...