Crime and Punishment: Part II, Chapter Seven
Here, Raskolnikov finds the drunken Marmeladov, lying on the ground, injured in the street, having been recently trampled on by a horse and a carriage; he takes the dying man to his home, which is nearby. When he gets there, he is met by Katerina Ivanovna, who is in tears because of the dying man; she tries to care for him, but a doctor later declares that Marmeladov is dying and that there is nothing they can do. (Actually, the doctor asks if they want him to "bleed" the patient, but even the doctor admits that this will be of little benefit for the patient).
Marmeladov has enough energy to call for a priest, who arrives, and tells Katerina that she must forgive the patient for all of his "mis-doings," such as not caring for the family, staying drunk with wine and spirits all the time -- Vodka. Katerina, however, dismisses the priest's suggestions and even curses her husband as well as the priest as both being "worthless." Marmeladov later dies in Sonya's arms.
Raskolnikov then leaves twenty (2) Rubles for the family and then promises his support in the future (where did he get the Rubles?). At this point, another one of Katerina's daughter's, Polenka, chases after Raskolnikov before he leaves the apartment, asking his name; she hugs him and then he, Raskolnikov, asks the little child to pray for him. (why?)
It was at this point in the story that Raskolnikov feels at least partially redeemed (is he really?), and then goes to visit his best friend, Razumikhin, who is a little "drunk" from all of the spirits being served at his housewarming party. But, it was also at this point in the chapter when the doctor, Zossimov, feels that Raskolnikov is mad, which is only reinforced by the conversation that the main character had with the police inspector at the Crystal Palace. Raskolnikov is seen as being "partially fainting" and can hardly stand up -- all this because of the doctor's comments. They all return to the main character's room, where they are met by Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dunya, who are both "grief-stricken" over Raskolnikov's appearances. Once he finally collapses on the floor, his best friend takes care of him.
