The Wish That Stood Trial
Under Fetyukovitch's cross-examination Alyosha remembers Mitya striking his chest under the tree and pointing to the little bag with fifteen hundred roubles. Katerina tells the whole story of the bow and the entrusted sum; the theft charge buckles. Mitya sobs that she has ruined him and cries that he is condemned.
Key Insight
The hidden amulet was shame, not murder money. The room still hears confession when honour finally speaks, because a loud sinner's truth sounds like guilt to ears trained on the wish.
