Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Anna Karenina unfolds in 19th-century Russia, showcasing the difference between the bustling, aristocratic Moscow and St. Petersburg and the serene countryside. The book, written by Leo Tolstoy in 1878, captures a time of significant social change, contrasting traditional Russian high society with new modern ideas while following Anna's deep personal struggles.

At the heart of the narrative is Anna Arkadyevna Karenina, a beautiful and aristocratic woman married to Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, a respected government official. They have a young son, Seryozha, and appear to be a contented, upper-class family. Anna's brother, Stiva Oblonsky, is in trouble because he has cheated on his wife, Darya Alexandrovna (Dolly), and she is considering leaving him. To assist them in reconciling, Anna journeys to Moscow.

Konstantin Dmitrievich Levin, a Russian countryside landowner, arrives in Moscow around the same time as Anna to discuss agricultural reforms with Stiva. Levin harbors a deep, secret affection for Kitty Shcherbatsky, the younger sister of Darya. Regrettably, Kitty initially declines Levin's proposal as she is infatuated with Count Vronsky. On the other hand, Count Vronsky becomes captivated by Anna the moment he sees her at a grand ball hosted by the Oblonskys.

As Anna prepares to leave Moscow, Vronsky accompanies her to the train station. Their encounter is electrifying, and they are immediately attracted to each other. This meeting marks the beginning of their intense and destructive love affair.

In Moscow, Anna is torn between her duties as a wife and mother and her growing passion for Vronsky. Her infatuation becomes evident when Vronsky falls and sustains an injury during a horse race, causing her serious concern for his well-being. Karenin grows suspicious of her behavior and confronts her about her feelings for Vronsky.

As the truth of her adulterous affair unfolds, she discloses her pregnancy with Vronsky's child and asks Karenin for a divorce. Initially, Karenin refuses the request, even offering to accept the child as his own to avoid public scandal. As Karenin rises as a prominent political figure, he battles against mounting pressure to divorce Anna, clinging to his public reputation.

Meanwhile, Dolly accepts her husband's infidelity and forgives him, leading to a reconciliation between the two. Levin, rejected by Kitty, returns to his country estate and immerses himself in agricultural and labor problems. While working alongside the peasants, he has a spiritual awakening and realizes that his love for Kitty will be eternal.

Anna gives birth to a daughter named Annie and falls seriously ill. Believing his wife is on the brink of death, Karenin forgives her and Vronsky for their infidelity. He tries to make her feel better, but she only desires Vronsky's presence. Vronsky, burdened by guilt over Anna's condition, attempts suicide but survives.

Eventually, Karenin agrees to a divorce on the condition that he retains custody of their son. He is willing to let the affair continue, provided it remains discreet. After her recovery, Anna decides to abandon the idea of divorce, as her husband's unexpected kindness makes her hesitant. Instead, she and Vronsky flee to Italy to escape the social condemnation in Russian society, which has discovered their affair.

Kitty, having realized her mistake in rejecting Levin, marries him. They move to the country, and Levin finds it challenging to balance his intellectual pursuits with the practical demands of farming.

When Anna and Vronsky return to Russia, she realizes that her reputation has been tarnished and is known as the woman who betrayed her honorable husband. As time passes, her emotional well-being declines and Vronsky's commitment to her diminishes. Anna's condition worsens as she becomes addicted to morphine, and her mental...

(This entire section contains 740 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

health continues to deteriorate. This leads to her growing isolation and irrational suspicions about Vronsky's loyalty.

Anna and Vronsky attend the opera, but the public's disrespect and insults deeply humiliate Anna. Her depression escalates to a breaking point, leading her to take her own life by throwing herself under a train. Anna's suicide shatters Vronsky, leaving him deeply scarred and guilt-ridden. He joins the military and throws himself into the Serbian war as a form of escapism. Karenin mourns Anna's death and accepts her child with Vronsky.

Levin and Kitty find deep joy and satisfaction in their family life, and Levin's spiritual quest leads him to embrace Christianity, bringing him peace. The story concludes with Levin pondering the meaning of life and how his beliefs align with his newfound faith, marking his personal growth and pursuit of purpose.

Next

Chapter Summaries

Loading...