student says he could kill that old woman He could take her money and feel no guilt He says I could kill that damned old woman and make off with her money This coincidence surprises Raskolnikov It pushes him further to test his own theory about extraordinary men The setting of the Petersburg tavern becomes the stage for fate Svidrigailov meets Sonia as a neighbor Later Sonia Semyonovna lodges at Kapernaumov s house Svidrigailov follows her He said Bah He was surprised by the odd coincidence He went next door and rang the bell at No This coincidence links Sonia and Svidrigailov It also brings danger to Dounia and Raskolnikov since Svidrigailov overhears secrets and uses them Such chance meetings increase tension and reveal fate s power Thus coincidences guide the whole story In Petersburg streets taverns and houses Raskolnikov s life changes suddenly Lizaveta s absence the tavern joke and Sonia s neighbor all prove Dostoevsky s idea Human plans are weak but accidents lead to sin suffering and final redemption