The Idiot: Part Four, Chapter Four Summary & Analysis

Myshkin is late to his meeting with General Ivolgin and apologizes. Ivolgin returns a book that Myshkin lent him, which depicts the French occupation of Moscow from the perspective of an old soldier. Ivolgin then gravely informs Myshkin that his friendship with Lebedev is over, because Lebedev has lied to him and disrespected him. Myshkin points out that the lie Ivolgin is referring to—in which Lebedev claimed to have lost a leg in a war that took place before he was even born—was just a silly joke. Ivolgin then says that in the same year, when he himself was 10 years old, he pushed through a crowd and saw Napoleon dismounting from his horse.

Myshkin appeases General Ivolgin even though he knows that what he’s saying isn’t true. Ivolgin goes onto say that Napoleon even noticed him and remarked that he admired the young Ivolgin’s pride. He then claims that he was became Napoleon’s chamber-page. Myshkin comments that Ivolgin’s memoirs would be “extremely interesting,” and Ivolgin replies that he likes the idea of writing them. He then says that he urged Napoleon to beg for the forgiveness of Tsar Alexander I. With Myshkin’s encouragement, Ivolgin continues to describe his life as Napoleon’s chamber-page. He recounts the patriotic courage he supposedly showed, and mentions several occasions when Napoleon asked for his advice.

As General Ivolgin continues with his story and describes his separation from Napoleon, he begins to cry real tears. Suddenly, Ivolgin notices that it’s 2 p.m. and he’s been talking for longer than he promised. Still overwhelmed by his own emotions, he wishes Myshkin well and leaves. That night, he receives a note in which Ivolgin informs him that he is “parting with him forever,” but expresses his admiration and gratitude for their friendship. Myshkin hears that Ivolgin has simply locked himself up with his family, but also hears that he caused some kind of disturbance at the Epanchins’ house.

Following the fight with Ganya, Ivolgin stands on the street, rambling nonsensically at Kolya and crying. Kolya begs that they go home, but Ivolgin goes off in another direction. Ivolgin bends toward Kolya and whispers, though once again his words don’t make any sense. Suddenly Ivolgin goes completely purple, convulses, and falls into Kolya’s arms. Realizing what is happening, Kolya shouts that his father is having a stroke.