On his way to the police station, Raskolnikov witnesses a terrible accident — a drunken man stumbles and falls under a carriage and is crushed. Amid great confusion, Raskolnikov recognizes the wounded man as Marmeladov, and he immediately takes charge and offers money to anyone who will help get him home.
When they arrive, Katerina Ivanovna becomes hysterical and cannot control her grief and anxiety — the children are hungry, they have no money for a burial, and she has no one to turn to. Raskolnikov offers consolation and again offers to pay for a doctor and other expenses. A priest is sent for, and Katerina Ivanovna also sends young Polenka to tell Sonya.
When the doctor arrives, he announces that Marmeladov will die immediately. He receives the funeral rites, and Polenka returns saying that Sonya is coming immediately. Marmeladov tries to make some apology to Katerina and to Sonya who has just arrived, dressed in the gaudy, cheap finery worn by prostitutes: "She seemed forgetful of her garish fourth-hand silk dress, indecently out of place here with its ridiculous long train and immense crinoline."
When Raskolnikov first sees Sonya, he "recognized her crushed and ashamed in her humiliation. . .meekly awaiting her turn to say goodby to her dying father." The father had never seen his daughter in her professional costume; infinite shame possessed both father and daughter.
As Raskolnikov leaves, he gives his money to Katerina Ivanovna and outside he meets Nikodim Fomitch, the police official who exclaims that Raskolnikov is splattered with blood. At Sonya's request, Polenka follows Raskolnikov to find out his name, where he lives, and to thank him. In their meeting, Raskolnikov shows great compassion for young Polenka and asks her to pray for him. He then resolves that life is still before him and he rejects any thoughts of confessing to his crime. With this thought, he goes to Razumihkin and apologizes for his bad temper. Razumihkin walks home with him and tells him of Zossimov's suspicion that perhaps Raskolnikov is going insane. When they reach Raskolnikov's place, they find his mother and sister waiting for him. Instead of returning their enthusiastic embraces, he faints.
