Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

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Anna Karenina: Part 1, Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Princess Shcherbatsky enters the room, senses that Kitty has refused Levin’s proposal, and, relieved, begins to ask Levin about life in the country. Countess Nordston also enters: the Countess and Levin are supposedly friendly but in actuality despise each other.
Levin is in an awkward position but finds himself trapped, unable to escape the party which has become so miserable to him.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Society and Class Theme Icon
Farming and Rural Life Theme Icon
Vronsky arrives and they all discuss the merits of city versus country life. They then move into a discussion of spiritualism, in which the Countess Nordston wholeheartedly believes. Levin talks about electricity a little bit too passionately for the others' taste. Levin is constantly on the verge of leaving, but is also curious about Vronsky and finds him as charming and handsome as advertised.
Levin trusts sensations and scientific facts of earth rather than believing in fates and spirits. Although Levin has been cut out of the party by Kitty’s refusal, he is still an invited guest and therefore awkwardly remains, glumly comparing himself to Vronsky.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Society and Class Theme Icon
Farming and Rural Life Theme Icon