Anna Karenina · Chapter
V explained
Levin visits Oblonsky at his government office.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Levin's visceral reaction to Grinevitch's manicured hands and Oblonsky's official world highlights his contempt for the superficiality and empty ceremony of city life and government service.
Isolation and Misunderstanding
Despite their fondness, Levin and Oblonsky fundamentally misunderstand and inwardly despise each other's chosen lives. Levin feels isolated in his earnestness amidst Oblonsky's complacent world.
Characters to notice
- Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin
Visits Oblonsky in Moscow, agitated and critical of city bureaucracy and social pretense. His deep embarrassment when asking about the Shcherbatskys reveals his unresolved feelings for Kitty.
- Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
At ease in his government role, which he attained through family connections. He is good-natured, tactful, and amused by Levin's intensity. Arranges a future meeting for Levin to potentially see Kitty.
- Mihail Stanislavitch Grinevitch
One of Oblonsky's colleagues in the office. His elegant, manicured hands with long nails become a focal point for Levin's disdain for urban affectation.
- Kitty Shcherbatskaya
Mentioned indirectly as the subject of Levin's anxious inquiry. Oblonsky reveals she will be skating at the Zoological Gardens.
Key passages
“It seemed to each of them that the life he led himself was the only real life, and the life led by his friend was a mere phantasm.”
Each man considered his own life authentic and the other's an illusion.
Encapsulates the core of Levin and Oblonsky's friendship—affection built on a foundation of mutual, unspoken contempt for the other's lifestyle.
“He had only not to refuse things, not to show jealousy, not to be quarrelsome or take offense, all of which from his characteristic good nature he never did.”
Oblonsky secured his position simply by being amiable and not offending his powerful friends and relatives.
Highlights the role of social connections and personal charm over competence in securing official posts.
“"What are the Shtcherbatskys doing? Everything as it used to be?"”
Levin asks if the Shcherbatsky family situation is unchanged.
A clumsy, emotionally charged question that reveals Levin's primary reason for coming to Moscow and his lingering hope regarding Kitty.