The Brothers Karamazov · Chapter
IV: At the Hohlakovs’ explained
Alyosha visits the Hohlakovs' house, where Madame Hohlakov is in a state of agitation over the recent miracle, the tragedy in her drawing-room, and her daughter Lise's hysterics.
What happens
Alyosha visits the Hohlakovs' house, where Madame Hohlakov is in a state of agitation over the recent miracle, the tragedy in her drawing-room, and her daughter Lise's hysterics. Lise, who had sent Alyosha a letter, demands its return and questions him about his encounter with schoolboys. Madame Hohlakov reveals that Katerina Ivanovna is present, with Ivan Karamazov, and describes their intense conversation as lacerating. Alyosha tends to his bitten finger while Lise fusses over him, and Madame Hohlakov hints at the complicated romantic entanglements involving Katerina, Ivan, and Dmitri.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it centers on Katerina Ivanovna’s hysterical, guilt-ridden declarati…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Self-Sacrifice
Madame Hohlakov describes Katerina Ivanovna's self-deception in loving Ivan while trying to convince herself she loves Dmitri, highlighting the theme of sacrificial love and emotional turmoil.
- Suffering and Redemption
The chapter is filled with references to suffering—Lise's hysterics, Madame Hohlakov's agitation, and the 'tragedy' in the drawing-room—suggesting a search for redemption through pain.
Characters to notice
- Alyosha Karamazov
Visits the Hohlakovs, tends to his wounded finger, and discusses his encounter with schoolboys and the letter from Lise.
- Madame Hohlakov
Agitated and nervous, she discusses the miracle, the tragedy in the drawing-room, and the situation with Katerina Ivanovna and Ivan.
- Lise Hohlakov
Hysterical and demanding, she insists on the return of her letter and questions Alyosha about the schoolboys.
- Katerina Ivanovna
Present in the house with Ivan Karamazov, engaged in a serious and lacerating conversation.
- Ivan Karamazov
Sitting with Katerina Ivanovna, having a serious conversation that Madame Hohlakov describes as appalling.
Key passages
“And that tragedy in the drawing-room, it’s more than I can bear, I warn you. I can’t bear it. A comedy, perhaps, not a tragedy.”
Madame Hohlakov is overwhelmed by the dramatic scene in the drawing-room, uncertain whether it is a tragedy or a comedy.
Highlights the ambiguous nature of the emotional conflict between Katerina, Ivan, and Dmitri.
“She loves your brother, Ivan, and she is doing her utmost to persuade herself she loves your brother, Dmitri. It’s appalling!”
Madame Hohlakov reveals that Katerina Ivanovna truly loves Ivan but is trying to convince herself she loves Dmitri, which she finds horrifying.
Exposes the central romantic and psychological conflict involving Katerina, Ivan, and Dmitri.
