The Margin

Person

Doctor Varvinsky

Also known as Varvinsky, Mr. Varvinsky, the young doctor Varvinsky.

Doctor Varvinsky is the district doctor present at the police captain's house when the murder alarm gathers the officials. He is young, recently arrived from Petersburg, and proud of his brilliant medical degree. He accompanies the inquiry because Smerdyakov's violent epileptic fits interest him professionally.

IX-III. The Sufferings Of A Soul, The First Ordeal

His report that Grigory is alive and likely to recover relieves Dmitri of one immediate terror. The medical fact changes Dmitri's emotional state even as the murder charge remains.

XI-VI. The First Interview With Smerdyakov

Varvinsky's opinion supports the official account of Smerdyakov's illness, including the severity of the fit that placed Smerdyakov beyond suspicion in the first inquiry.

XI-VII. The Second Visit To Smerdyakov

Ivan remembers Varvinsky's remark that Smerdyakov may end in madness. The doctor's judgment remains part of how others read Smerdyakov's condition.

Epilogue I. Plans For Mitya’s Escape

After the courtroom collapse, Varvinsky attends the unconscious Ivan along with Herzenstube. The doctors encourage Katerina Ivanovna and Alyosha but cannot yet promise recovery.

Epilogue II. For A Moment The Lie Becomes Truth

At the hospital, Varvinsky gives Dmitri a separate room instead of placing him with other prisoners. He also controls access, keeping Rakitin away at Dmitri's request.

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The Margin

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Doctor Varvinsky