Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

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Anna Karenina: Part 1, Chapter 20 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Anna spends the whole day with Dolly and insists that Oblonsky dine at home. There is potential for reconciliation. After dinner, Kitty arrives. Kitty as well as all the Oblonsky children are mesmerized by Anna, drawn by her charm and vivacity. Kitty, and Anna discuss the upcoming ball; Kitty says that she pictures Anna in a lilac dress.
Kitty, like the Oblonsky children, is magnetically attracted to Anna’s animation and charm. Kitty idolizes Anna and pictures her wearing a lilac-colored, showy, but innocent dress to the upcoming ball.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Anna mentions that she met Vronsky at the train station, and Kitty blushes. Anna talks about Vronsky’s mother, and Anna says that she will call on her tomorrow.
Blushing throughout the novel is a sign of uncontrollable, unbidden emotion, and even though Anna speaks casually about Vronsky, Kitty’s blush gives the girl’s emotion away.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon