In this pivotal chapter, Raskolnikov's psychological state deteriorates sharply following the murder of Alyona Ivanovna. The chapter opens with him in a state of acute anxiety and paranoia, reflecting the internal chaos that has engulfed him. He grapples with intense feelings of guilt and dread, which manifest physically as he experiences nausea and an overwhelming sense of disorientation. Raskolnikov's mental anguish leads him to become increasingly detached from reality, struggling to comprehend the gravity of his actions.

As he wanders through the streets of St. Petersburg, the environment around him intensifies his feelings of alienation. The bustling city, filled with people leading their mundane lives, contrasts starkly with his inner turmoil. He feels like an outsider, disconnected from humanity, haunted by the specter of his crime. This sense of isolation is compounded by his inability to communicate with those around him, including his family and friends, who remain unaware of his inner conflict.

Raskolnikov's guilt manifests as paranoid thoughts, leading him to suspect that others are aware of his crime. He is particularly anxious about the police and the possibility of being caught. His mind races with various scenarios of how he might be discovered, and he becomes obsessed with the idea that he is under constant scrutiny. This paranoia is exacerbated when he encounters a police officer, heightening his distress and leading him to question every interaction he has with others.

In a moment of panic, he recalls his earlier thoughts just before committing the murder, where he rationalized his actions by considering himself an extraordinary man, above the moral laws that bind ordinary people. However, this justification crumbles under the weight of his guilt. Raskolnikov increasingly recognizes that his theory about being a 'superior' individual has not shielded him from the repercussions of his actions, and instead, it only deepens his sense of despair.

As the chapter progresses, Raskolnikov’s internal conflict intensifies, leading him to question the very nature of his existence and morality. He reflects on the concept of suffering and begins to contemplate the implications of his actions on his soul. This introspection marks a significant turning point in the novel, as it underscores the theme of guilt that permeates Raskolnikov's journey.

The chapter concludes with Raskolnikov in a state of profound confusion and despair, illustrating the psychological toll of his crime. He is caught in a web of his making, struggling to reconcile his beliefs with the reality of his actions. The chapter encapsulates the essence of his existential crisis, setting the stage for the moral dilemmas that will unfold in the subsequent parts of the novel.