The Brothers Karamazov: Chapter Five

In the beginning of this chapter, it is clear that Alyosha is greatly 'moved' by his brothers arrivals. Quickly, he becomes close to Dmitri (who, as we know, moved into the father's home) while he is distanced from his other brother, Ivan. Alyosha senses that Ivan is struggling toward an inner goal that makes him indifferent to the outside world. It is clear to the reader at this point that Alyosha's two brothers are as unlike as any two people can be, although it is also clear that Dmitri speaks highly of Ivan.

Dmitri is 'embroiled' with his father in a conflict over the inheritance, and it is finally arranged that the parties involved will have a discussion about the inheritance (and other issues) in Zosima's cell. This entire idea makes Alyosha extremely nervous -- as he is studying under Zosima and does not want to 'make waves' with respect to the elderly man's opinion of himself. Alyosha understands all too well that his father will become a sarcastic member of the discussion and he also knows that Ivan is an atheist.