# Kitty's Admiration and the Princess's Inquiry explained — Anna Karenina

> Chapter companion for Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Kitty, her mother, and a colonel walk in the arcades at the spa. Kitty admires Varenka from afar and wishes to meet her. A scene erupts where Levin shouts angrily at a doctor, and Varenka intervenes to calm him. The next day, Kitty's mother, the princess, reluctantly makes Varenka's acquaintance, learning she is not related to Madame Stahl but was raised by her. Kitty and Varenka finally meet and exchange pleasantries.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Conventions vs. Individual Desire

Kitty's strong desire to befriend Varenka conflicts with her mother's sense of social propriety and the need to avoid appearing forward, especially towards the aloof Madame Stahl's circle.

### Isolation and Misunderstanding

Levin's volatile outburst at the doctor highlights his inner turmoil and isolation, which is misunderstood by the public as a mere scandal. Varenka's intervention bridges this isolation momentarily.

## Character check-ins

### Kitty Shcherbatskaya

Observes and admires Varenka, is delighted when her mother makes the introduction, and finally meets her new friend.

### Princess Shcherbatskaya

Initially offended by Madame Stahl's aloofness, she reluctantly approaches Varenka to satisfy Kitty's wish and learns about Varenka's background.

### Mademoiselle Varenka

Intervenes to calm Levin during his argument with the doctor. She is revealed to have been raised by Madame Stahl. She meets Kitty and the princess with a gentle, truthful demeanor.

### Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin

Is seen in a heated, public argument with a doctor, shouting and causing a scene, which Varenka resolves. He is reported to be leaving the spa.

## Key lines

> "What do you see in her out of the way? A companion, she must be."

The princess questions Kitty's intense interest in Varenka, dismissing her as merely a suitable companion.

_Highlights the generational and social gap in how relationships are valued._

> "It’s so funny to see your engouements."

The princess finds Kitty's passionate infatuations amusing.

_Shows the mother's slightly patronizing view of Kitty's youthful enthusiasms._

> "That feeling is more than reciprocal, princess."

Varenka assures the princess that she returns Kitty's fond feelings.

_Demonstrates Varenka's graciousness and immediate warmth, putting the princess at ease._

> "The hand did not respond to her pressure, but the face of Mademoiselle Varenka glowed with a soft, glad, though rather mournful smile..."

Varenka's hand remained passive in Kitty's grasp, but her face showed a happy, if slightly sad, smile.

_Suggests Varenka's reserved nature and a past that has left a trace of melancholy beneath her kindness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters