The Margin

Object

Smerdyakov's Suicide Note

Also known as the last letter he left behind, his last letter.

Smerdyakov's suicide note is the short statement Alyosha finds on the table after Smerdyakov takes his own life. It says that he destroys his life by his own will and desire, so as to throw no blame on anyone. At first sight, the note records suicide but does not explain the murder or support Ivan's confession.

XII-VIII. A Treatise On Smerdyakov

The prosecutor emphasizes that the note contains no confession of murder, using its silence to weaken the case against Smerdyakov.

XII-XII. And There Was No Murder Either

The defense still treats the last letter as part of the mystery, because its refusal to confess does not by itself settle what Smerdyakov did before dying.

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

The Margin

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Smerdyakov's Suicide Note