Anna Karenina · Chapter
II explained
Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) reflects on his infidelity, feeling not remorse for the act but regret that his wife Dolly discovered it.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Infidelity and Betrayal
The entire chapter revolves around the aftermath of Stiva's affair with the governess, exploring his rationalizations and the devastating impact of the betrayal on his wife and household.
Family and Domesticity
The crisis threatens to shatter the Oblonsky family. Stiva's reflections on his wife as a mother and the nurse's plea to think of the children underscore the domestic values now in jeopardy.
Characters to notice
- Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
Introspects on his affair, feels the weight of the domestic crisis but not true repentance. Pins hope for reconciliation on his sister Anna's arrival.
- Matvey
Stiva's valet and confidant. Understands the significance of Anna's arrival, delivers Dolly's message about leaving, and offers a sympathetic, hopeful perspective.
- Darya Alexandrovna Oblonskaya
Though not physically present, her distress drives the chapter's conflict. She sends a message via Matvey that she is leaving, indicating the severity of the breach.
Key passages
“He was incapable of deceiving himself and persuading himself that he repented of his conduct.”
Stiva is honest with himself: he does not feel true remorse for the affair itself.
Highlights his self-awareness and moral complacency.
““It’s true it’s bad her having been a governess in our house. That’s bad! There’s something common, vulgar, in flirting with one’s governess.””
Stiva acknowledges the particular social transgression of an affair with a household employee.
Shows concern for social propriety over the moral wrong.
““Thank God!” said Matvey, showing by this response that he, like his master, realized the significance of this arrival—that is, that Anna Arkadyevna... might bring about a reconciliation...”
Both Stiva and Matvey see Anna's visit as a potential solution to the marital crisis.
Establishes Anna's role as a peacemaker and introduces her importance to the plot.