The Margin

Concept

The Babe

Also known as that babe.

The babe is the crying child at the center of Dmitri's dream. The peasant driver uses the word simply, and Dmitri is struck by the pity in it. The image gathers poverty, helplessness, and innocent suffering into something he feels he must answer.

IX-IX. They Carry Mitya Away

As Dmitri is taken away, he speaks of mothers and babes at the breast while accepting shame and suffering. The dream image has already begun to shape his way of understanding punishment.

XI-I. At Grushenka’s

Grushenka repeats Dmitri's question, What is this babe, to Alyosha. She has heard enough to know the image matters deeply to him, but not enough to explain it.

XI-IV. A Hymn And A Secret

Dmitri tells Alyosha that the babe was a sign to him. He connects it with the belief that all are responsible for all, and says he is going for the babe and for all the babes.

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The Margin

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The Babe