Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

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Anna Karenina: Part 2, Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
When Anna returns home, she remarks to Karenin that she is surprised he isn’t in bed. Karenin says that they must talk. Although Anna lies with apparent ease and does not seem anxious, Karenin sees that she has closed her soul to him.
Although Anna pretends to be relaxed, Karenin realizes that something has changed: she has become impenetrable and distant from him, even though she seems the same on the outside.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Karenin warns Anna that she has been too carefree and animated in her interactions with Vronsky. Anna lightly mocks him, but Karenin continues seriously, saying that he loves her and that their lives are bound together by God. Karenin asks her to tell him if she has feelings for Vronsky, and Anna says that there is nothing to tell. They go to bed, but Anna lies awake, thinking of Vronsky.
Karenin is quite serious in his talk with Anna, and although she pretends to take everything very lightly, she is secretly pleased that he does not accuse her outright or appear to know the full depth of her desires. Anna maintains the façade of her marriage but dreams of Vronsky.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon