Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

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Anna Karenina: Part 4, Chapter 12 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
After dinner, the men’s conversation turns to infidelity, which makes Karenin uncomfortable. He and Dolly have a private discussion, and she begs him to talk to her about Anna. Karenin insists that he will divorce her, and though Dolly pleads with him to relent, he does not; instead, he bids her goodnight.
Though Dolly tries to make rationalizations for Anna, Karenin refuses to acknowledge any arguments on his wife’s behalf: he needs to insist to himself that he is unequivocally right and that Anna is unequivocally wrong.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Society and Class Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Quotes