Agafea Mihalovna

Levin's Return Home

His old nurse and housekeeper, greets him upon his return.

XXVII

Serves Levin tea, gossips about the drunken peasant Prohor, and perceptively notes Levin's low spirits, offering him simple, comforting wisdom.

XII

Serves as Levin's primary intellectual companion in the country, discussing agriculture and philosophy with him.

Chapter XIII

Not directly present, but Levin's internal reference to 'old Agafea Mihalovna' when thinking of the calves connects his domestic management to his agricultural life.

Chapter XIV

Anxiously oversees the household and dinner preparations for the important guest, eager to maintain the house's credit.

Chapter XVII

Serves supper and interacts briefly, highlighting the difference between Stiva's appreciative praise and Levin's austere, indifferent nature towards food.

II

Mentioned as having sprained her wrist, which brings the talkative young doctor to the house and sets off Koznishev's eager conversation.

Chapter III

Mentioned by Sergey as an example of someone who needed the district doctor, serving as a point in his argument for the necessity of local medical services.

VI

Mentioned as Levin's old nurse; Sergey Ivanovitch consults her for the peasants' view, and she expresses the traditional opinion that Levin's work is 'not a gentleman’s work.'

Levin's Work and the Prospect of Travel

Urges Levin to stop worrying about the peasants and to get married, a comment that pains him.

The Arrival of Nikolay

Nikolay jokes with her and asks after old servants, showing a brief moment of his old affectionate humor before his illness is referenced.

Chapter XIV

Observed mournfully and tenderly shaking her head over Kitty's new domestic arrangements, indicating a transfer of household stewardship.

A Letter and a Quarrel

Present at the tea, smiling affectionately at Kitty, showing the resolution of their domestic power struggle. She tactfully withdraws when Levin and Kitty begin to argue.

Chapter XIX

Cited by Levin as sharing Kitty's certain, practical knowledge of how to treat the dying, rooted in religious faith.

II

Angrily makes jam using Kitty's new method (without water), feeling her traditional ways are being challenged, but is softened by Kitty's kindness.

Chapter VI

Assists in the nursery, expressing tender, possessive affection for baby Mitya and insisting the child knows her.

Levin's Purpose in Country Life

Implied as part of the household 'old servants' to whom Levin feels obligated to provide monthly rations.

The Storm

Meets the party in the hall with kerchiefs and rugs, providing practical aid and information about Kitty's whereabouts.

Chapter XVIII

Her earlier assertion that Mitya recognizes people is proven correct during the bath-time experiment.