# XXVIII explained — Anna Karenina

> Chapter companion for Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

The morning after the ball, Anna abruptly decides to leave Moscow immediately. She explains her sudden departure to Dolly, who senses Anna's troubled state. In a private conversation, Anna confesses that her innocent matchmaking at the ball went awry, causing Kitty's jealousy and pain. She admits her own emotional turmoil regarding Vronsky, though she downplays its seriousness. Dolly comforts her, and they share an emotional farewell before Anna departs.

## Themes in this chapter

### Infidelity and Betrayal

Anna's confession reveals the emotional betrayal of Kitty's trust, as her 'matchmaking' with Vronsky crossed a line, foreshadowing deeper betrayals to come.

### Social Conventions vs. Individual Desire

Anna's internal conflict: her growing attraction to Vronsky clashes with her social role as a married woman and her duty to her friend's sister, forcing her to flee.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Arkadyevna Karenina

In a worried, self-dissatisfied mood; confesses to Dolly that her actions at the ball inadvertently hurt Kitty and stirred her own feelings; insists she is leaving to avoid further complication.

### Darya Alexandrovna Oblonskaya

Intently observes Anna's emotional state; acts as a confidante for Anna's confession; reassures Anna of her love and understanding.

### Kitty Shcherbatskaya

Absent, sending a note that she has a headache; Anna reveals Kitty is jealous of her due to the events at the ball.

### Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

Arrives late to see Anna off, rosy and good-humored, smelling of wine and cigars.

## Key lines

> "Every heart has its own skeletons, as the English say."

Anna suggests everyone has hidden secrets or shames.

_Reveals Anna's self-awareness and hints at her own hidden turmoil regarding Vronsky._

> "I only meant to be matchmaking, and all at once it turned out quite differently. Possibly against my own will..."

Anna claims her actions at the ball were unintentional and led to an unexpected outcome.

_Shows her attempt to rationalize the powerful, involuntary attraction that developed between her and Vronsky._

> "And I am certain it will all be forgotten, and Kitty will leave off hating me."

Anna hopes the incident will blow over and Kitty's resentment will fade.

_Demonstrates Anna's wishful thinking and underestimation of the emotional damage done._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-i-xxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters