When Father Zossima and Alyosha return to the elder’s cell, Ivan is discussing with two of the monks his article on the position of the ecclesiastical courts. He explains that he opposes the separation of church and state primarily because when a criminal needs to be punished, the public should not have to rely on the state to administer such punishment. Ivan states that if the church had the authority to punish and also to excommunicate the criminal, then a vast number of crimes would be diminished. To a degree, Father Zossima agrees, but he points out that the only effective punishment “lies in the recognition of sin by conscience.” According to the elder, the church has no real authority to punish the criminal and, therefore, withdraws “of her own accord” and relies upon “the power of moral condemnation.” The discussion continues but is interrupted as Dmitri bursts into the cell unexpectedly.
Breathless, the overwrought Karamazov apologizes for being late, explaining that he was incorrectly informed of the time. He then goes forward, receives Father Zossima’s blessing, and sits quietly in the background. As the discussion resumes, Ivan begins to detail his views on immortality and virtue but is interrupted by Miusov, who scoffs at Ivan’s hypothesis that if immortality does not exist then there can be no reason for virtue in the world. Dmitri is deeply disturbed by his brother’s theory, especially by his suggesting that without immortality any crime could be committed without fear.
When Ivan and the monks grow quiet, Fyodor nervously resumes his crude verbal antics, then begins to insult Dmitri. In particular, he accuses him of duplicity in his relationships with Katerina Ivanovna and also with Grushenka, an unconventional young woman. Dmitri snaps that Fyodor is only being nasty because he is jealous; he too is infatuated with Grushenka! As the argument mounts and everyone grows more dreadfully embarrassed, Father Zossima suddenly rises from his place and kneels at Dmitri’s feet. Then, without uttering a word, he retires to his cell. Everyone is confused as to the meaning of this mysterious act, and they comment upon it as they leave the elder’s cell to join the Father Superior for lunch. But there is one who cannot remain with the party. Fyodor explains that he is far too embarrassed to accompany them; he says that he is going home.
Alyosha accompanies Father Zossima to his cell and is told by the Father that he must leave the monastery. It is the elder’s wish that the young Karamazov rejoin the world. Alyosha does not understand Zossima’s request; he desires especially to remain in the monastery—most of all because he knows that Zossima is seriously ill. He desires, as long as possible, to be near the elder.
On the way to the Father Superior’s house, Alyosha and Rakitin discuss Zossima’s reverent bow before Dmitri. The seminarist says that the bow means the elder has sensed that the Karamazov house will soon be bathed in blood. The bow, he says, will be remembered, and people will say that Zossima foresaw the tragedy for the family. Rakitin continues, tossing out disparaging remarks about the Karamazovs and teasing Alyosha about Grushenka’s designs on him. Alyosha, unaware of Rakitin’s motives, innocently refers to Grushenka as one of Rakitin’s relatives and is surprised when the young seminarist becomes highly indignant and loudly denies such relationship.
Meanwhile, Fyodor has changed his mind about attending the luncheon. He returns and unleashes his vicious temper on all present. He delivers a vulgar tirade about the immorality and hypocrisy of the monks and elders, making the most absurd and ridiculous charges he can conjure up. Ivan finally manages to get the old man in a carriage, but the father is not yet subdued. As they are leaving, he shouts to Alyosha and orders him to leave the monastery.
