Anna Karenina · Chapter
The Skating Rink explained
Levin, his heart pounding, goes to the Zoological Gardens skating rink hoping to see Kitty.
What happens
Levin, his heart pounding, goes to the Zoological Gardens skating rink hoping to see Kitty. He spots her immediately, and her presence illuminates the entire scene. They skate together briefly, and her touch and words send him into raptures. However, a shadow passes over her face when he expresses his confidence in her, and she coldly redirects him to speak with Mlle. Linon. Despite this moment of confusion, her parting words, 'Goodbye till this evening,' leave Levin in a state of ecstatic, hopeful agitation, which preoccupies him as he leaves with Stepan Arkadyevitch.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Levin's intense, almost worshipful love for Kitty is the chapter's core. His feelings are portrayed as a transformative, all-consuming passion that brings both ecstasy and vulnerability.
Isolation and Misunderstanding
A sudden barrier arises mid-conversation. Levin's sincere expression causes Kitty's friendly demeanor to vanish, creating a moment of confusion and isolation for him, as he cannot comprehend the reason for the change.
Characters to notice
- Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin
Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Kitty; experiences rapturous happiness skating with her, followed by anxiety when her expression changes. His entire being is transformed by her smile and parting words.
- Kitty Shcherbatskaya
Appears radiant and charming on the ice. Initially warm and friendly with Levin, but her expression suddenly turns cold and thoughtful after his heartfelt comment, suggesting an inner trouble she will not share.
- Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
Appears briefly at the end of the chapter to meet Levin. He is cheerful and preoccupied with planning a dinner menu, providing a contrast to Levin's intense emotional state.
- Mademoiselle Linon
The old French governess; Kitty directs Levin to speak with her. She greets Levin fondly and reminisces about his old joke comparing the Shcherbatsky sisters to 'the three bears.'
- Nikolay Shtcherbatsky
Kitty's cousin; is at the rink and boldly calls out to Levin, calling him 'the first skater in Russia.'
Key passages
“"She was the smile that shed light on all round her."”
To Levin, Kitty's presence was so radiant it seemed to illuminate everyone and everything around her.
Highlights Levin's idealized, almost spiritual perception of Kitty.
“"And I have confidence in myself when you are leaning on me,"”
Levin tells Kitty he feels capable and sure of himself only when she is relying on him.
A vulnerable, revealing admission that triggers Kitty's sudden withdrawal.
“"all at once, like the sun going behind a cloud, her face lost all its friendliness"”
Kitty's warm expression vanished instantly, as if overshadowed.
A vivid metaphor for the sudden emotional shift that puzzles and alarms Levin.