Anna Karenina · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

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Chapter 1
I
The novel opens with the famous line about happy and unhappy families, then immediately illustrates it with the crisis in the Oblonsky household. Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) Oblonsky wakes on the sofa in his study, recalling his pleasant dream before the painful reality of his three-day estrangement from his wife Dolly crashes in. He remembers the moment she discovered his affair with the former French governess, his own involuntary, guilty smile in response to her anguish, and her subsequent retreat to her room. The entire household is in disarray, with servants quitting and the children running wild.
Chapter 2
II
Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) reflects on his infidelity, feeling not remorse for the act but regret that his wife Dolly discovered it. He rationalizes his behavior, recalling the governess Mlle. Roland, and feels overwhelmed by the domestic crisis. His valet Matvey informs him of a telegram announcing the arrival of his sister, Anna Arkadyevna, which both see as a potential path to reconciliation. Dolly, through Matvey, sends a message that she is leaving, leaving Stiva momentarily helpless before he resolves to dress and face the day.
Chapter 3
Chapter III
Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) begins his morning routine, reading letters and the liberal newspaper. His financial troubles are tied to his estranged wife Dolly, as he needs to sell a forest from her property. He reflects on his shallow, convenience-based political and social views, which align with his lifestyle. A moment of tenderness with his children, Tanya and Grisha, is shadowed by his guilt over the quarrel. After dealing with a petitioner, he musters the courage to finally face Dolly.
Chapter 4
IV
The chapter focuses on Dolly's profound distress in the aftermath of discovering Stiva's affair. She is torn between her desire to leave him and the practical impossibility of doing so, especially for the sake of their children. A tense confrontation occurs where Stiva, fresh and healthy, begs for forgiveness, but Dolly, emaciated and suffering, expresses her revulsion and calls him a 'stranger.' The argument is interrupted by a child's cry, which momentarily softens Dolly and highlights her maternal instincts. Stiva leaves the house, briefly reflecting on the vulgarity of the scene before shifting his attention to practical matters like preparing for Anna's arrival.
Chapter 5
V
Levin visits Oblonsky at his government office. Their deep but contrasting friendship is explored: Levin, the earnest country landowner, despises the bureaucracy and social pretense of city life, while Oblonsky thrives in his superficial but effective official role. Oblonsky's character and his path to a lucrative government post through connections are detailed. The conversation turns personal as Levin, with great embarrassment, asks after the Shcherbatskys, revealing his continued feelings for Kitty.

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I

II

Chapter III

IV

V