Summary—Chapter 1: The Fatal Day
Dmitri’s trial opens at ten o’clock the next morning,
amid an atmosphere of widespread curiosity. All Russia seems to
be interested in the outcome, and the legendary defense attorney
Fetyukovich has traveled all the way from Moscow to defend Dmitri.
The judge is known to be an educated man, but the jury is made up
of peasants, leading to some concern that Fetyukovich’s defense
will be above the heads of the jury members.
The judge asks Dmitri for his plea, and he again asserts
his innocence. The general consensus in the courtroom, given what
most people consider to be overwhelming evidence, is that he is
guilty.
Summary—Chapter 2: Dangerous Witnesses
A sequence of witnesses is called, and one by one, through
masterful cross-examinations, Fetyukovich casts suspicion on their
words, discrediting their claims that Dmitri is guilty. Grigory,
Fetyukovich notes, had taken a strong medicine on the night of the
murder, and his senses may have been unreliable.
Summary—Chapter 3: Medical Expertise
Three doctors offer contradicting theories about
what might have led Dmitri to commit the murder, and about the condition
of his mind. One doctor, a German who has lived in the town for
many years, tells a story about buying Dmitri a bag of nuts when
he was a little boy. Dmitri weeps, evoking a new sympathy in the
minds of his listeners.
Summary—Chapter 4: Fortune Smiles on Mitya
Alyosha next offers some useful evidence: he remembers
that Dmitri used to hit the locket on his chest in moments of self-loathing, implying
that perhaps he really was wearing the money around his neck, and
did not steal it from Fyodor Pavlovich. Alyosha also admits that
he believes Smerdyakov may be the real murderer.
Katerina tells the story of Dmitri saving her father
from prison. The crowd, which was impressed with Alyosha’s testimony,
is slightly disgusted with Katerina because she has so thoroughly debased
herself before Dmitri, who does not love her. Grushenka is questioned
and vehemently insists on Dmitri’s innocence.
