The Brothers Karamazov: Part 3: Book 7, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Contrary to Father Paissy’s suspicion, Alexei isn’t becoming one of little faith. He’s running away in dismay because his faith is so great. Long thereafter, Alexei would consider this day “one of the most painful and fatal days of his life.” Alexei was expecting a “higher justice” that would take the form of a miracle. Everyone in the monastery, in fact, had expected this. It hurt Alexei that Zosima, the one who “was to have been exalted higher than anyone in the whole world” was being disgraced. Alexei loves God, but he murmurs against Him. He feels “some vague but tormenting and evil impression” left over from his conversation with Ivan the day before.

It’s already quite dark when Rakitin passes through a pine grove and notices Alexei “lying face down on the ground under a tree, motionless and as if asleep.” Rakitin calls him by name. He says that he’s been looking for Alexei for two hours and asks what he’s doing. Alexei raises his head and leans back against the tree. He isn’t crying, but he wears “an expression of suffering.” Rakitin notes the change in his look and asks if he’s angry with someone. Alexei snaps at him, telling Rakitin to leave him alone. Rakitin asks if his dismay has been caused by the stink from Zosima’s corpse. Alexei cries out about how much he wants to believe, while Rakitin points out that even “thirteen-year-old schoolboys” no longer believe in such things.

Alexei gives Rakitin a long look, but it’s not a look of anger. He then says that he’s not rebelling against God, he just doesn’t accept his world. Rakitin doesn’t understand what he means, and Alexei doesn’t clarify. Rakitin changes the subject by offering him a hunk of sausage. He then invites Alexei back to his place and even offers a shot of vodka, which Alexei surprises him by accepting.

Rakitin asks Alexei if he knows that Ivan has left for Moscow, and Alexei says he does. He mentions that he has to stop off to see Madame Khokhlakov to give her the requested report. Rakitin then stops suddenly, takes Alexei by the shoulder, and suggests that they go to Grushenka’s instead. Alexei agrees. Rakitin is delighted. There are two benefits for him—one is material and the other is “vengeful.” He’s eager to see Alexei fall “from the saints to the sinners.”