The Idiot: Part One, Chapter Fifteen Summary & Analysis

The new arrival is Rogozhin, accompanied by his group of around 12 people. The maid tells Nastasya that they are all very drunk, however Nastasya tells her to welcome them in anyway. The guests’ reaction is mixed; at first it seems as if General Epanchin is leaving in protest, but then he says he will stay, both out of curiosity and to protect Nastasya. Quietly, Epanchin asks Totsky if he thinks Nastasya has gone insane, emphasizing that he means this literally. Although Rogozhin’s whole crew is drunk, none of them are completely out of control, and Rogozhin himself has managed to almost totally sober up. All day he has remained single-mindedly fixated on Nastasya, and has managed to gather the 100,000 roubles in cash that he promised earlier.

Rogozhin walks toward Nastasya and on the way steps on the expensive dress of the unnamed young woman. However, he does not even notice he has done this. He puts the 100,000 roubles on the table. He then sits down and is shocked to see Myshkin standing there among the guests. Nastasya announces to everyone that there are 100,000 roubles lying before her. She then recounts the events of the day, including the drama at Ganya’s house. She concludes that Rogozhin has “priced” her at 100,000. Horrified, Darya says Nastasya should take the money and kick Rogozhin out.

Nastasya then speaks directly to Ganya, saying she knows he hates her and that he is so greedy he would probably “kill for money.” She then tells everyone that she could have married someone years ago, and even considered marrying Totsky. He proposed, and she was tempted to accept out of “spite.” However, she determined that it wouldn’t be worth it. Now she has many suitors, but once she leaves her luxurious apartment and Totsky’s allowance no one will want her. Ferdyshchenko interjects to say that Myshkin will take her, and Nastasya asks if this is true. Myshkin shyly confirms that it is.

Nastasya mocks Myshkin and his kindness toward her, but he replies by saying that she has endured great pain and “emerged pure from such a hell.” He then tells her he loves her. He says he wouldn’t mind if they were poor, but they might in fact be very rich, as it’s possible he’s about to receive a large inheritance. He takes out a letter from a lawyer named Salazkin, which informs him of his inheritance. Ptitsyn comments that Salazkin is a respected lawyer who they all know, and that Myshkin can trust his word. Ptitsyn takes the letter to see if it’s genuine.