# Chapter XXI explained — Anna Karenina

> Chapter companion for Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

## What happens

Vronsky attends a regimental fête for his friend Prince Serpuhovskoy, who has returned successful from Central Asia. Amidst the drinking and revelry, Vronsky receives a note from Princess Betsy. Later, in a private conversation in the bathroom, Serpuhovskoy praises Vronsky's abilities but criticizes his decision to sacrifice his career for love, arguing that men like him are needed by Russia to form an independent political party.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Duty vs. Personal Passion

The central conflict of the chapter is between Vronsky's choice for personal love and Serpuhovskoy's argument for public duty and ambition. Serpuhovskoy represents the conventional path of career and service, while Vronsky defends his unconventional choice.

### Love and Sacrifice

Vronsky's happiness in his love for Anna is directly contrasted with the ambition he sacrificed. Serpuhovskoy criticizes this sacrifice, seeing it as a waste of Vronsky's potential.

### Hypocrisy and Political Cynicism

Serpuhovskoy's political discourse exposes what he sees as the hypocrisy of the ruling class, who invent policies not out of belief but to secure government positions and income.

## Character check-ins

### Count Alexey Kirillovitch Vronsky

Attends the fête, receives a note from Betsy, and has a deep conversation with Serpuhovskoy about ambition, love, and public service. He is content with his choice to prioritize love over career.

### Prince Serpuhovskoy

The guest of honor at the regimental celebration. He is radiant with success and tries to persuade Vronsky to re-enter public life, arguing that independent men of their class are needed.

### Prince Yashvin

Present at the fête, interacting with Vronsky and the colonel.

### Petritsky

A fellow officer who fetches Vronsky and participates in the revelry, dancing with the colonel.

### Princess Betsy Tverskaya

Sends Vronsky a note, which causes him to blush and abruptly mention leaving.

### Colonel Demin

Hosts the fête, gets drunk, dances, and argues about military tactics.

## Key lines

> "I used to think so too, but here I live and think life worth living not only for that."

Vronsky tells Serpuhovskoy that he once valued ambition as the sole purpose of life, but now finds meaning and worth in his love for Anna.

_Highlights Vronsky's personal transformation and prioritization of love over career._

> "Such men as you are wanted... By society, by Russia. Russia needs men; she needs a party, or else everything goes and will go to the dogs."

Serpuhovskoy argues that Vronsky has a duty to use his independent status and talents for the political good of the country.

_Represents the pull of social convention and duty against Vronsky's personal desires._

> "They can be bought either by money or by favor. And they have to find a support for themselves in inventing a policy... really only a means to a government house and so much income."

Serpuhovskoy claims that current politicians lack independence and create hollow policies merely to secure lucrative government posts.

_Illustrates the theme of hypocrisy and cynicism within the political establishment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters/part-iii-xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anna_karenina_se/chapters