The Margin

Object

Dmitri's Suicide Note

Also known as I punish myself for my whole life, my whole life I punish!, I punish myself, his own sentence of death.

Dmitri writes the suicide note in Perhotin's room after loading one of his pistols. The note reads, "I punish myself for my whole life, my whole life I punish!" Folded into his waistcoat pocket, it makes his talk of stepping aside concrete and frightening to Perhotin.

VIII-VI. “I Am Coming, Too!”

As Dmitri rides toward Mokroe, the note lies in his pocket like his own sentence of death. He connects it with the dawn, the loaded pistol, and the last sight he wants of Grushenka.

IX-II. The Alarm

Perhotin's report of the note and the loaded pistols convinces the officials that they must hurry to Mokroe before Dmitri can shoot himself. The note becomes a reason for speed as well as evidence.

IX-V. The Third Ordeal

During the preliminary investigation, Dmitri produces the note from his pocket and lets the lawyers read it. They add it to the papers of the case as proof of his declared plan.

This entry is sealed. You have not yet read far enough to open it.

The Margin

Suggest a correction

Dmitri's Suicide Note