Anna Karenina · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Levin, deeply moved by his meeting with Anna, discusses her with Stiva and then returns home.
What happens
Levin, deeply moved by his meeting with Anna, discusses her with Stiva and then returns home. He reflects on his day and his conversations, feeling a tender sympathy for Anna. When he tells Kitty about the visit, she becomes jealous and upset, leading to a long, emotional argument that lasts into the early morning before they reconcile.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on a crisis in Levin and Kitty's marriage, triggered by jealousy and misunderstanding. It explores the fragility of marital trust and the emotional labor required for reconciliation.
Isolation and Misunderstanding
Levin's profound sympathy for Anna's isolation creates a chasm of misunderstanding with Kitty. Despite living together, they struggle to communicate their true feelings, leading to a painful, drawn-out argument.
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Levin criticizes the empty, corrupting nature of Moscow society life ('conversation, eating and drinking'), contrasting it with his more sincere country values. Kitty initially conceals her feelings behind a 'calm tone,' engaging in social pretense.
Characters to notice
- Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin
Deeply affected by his meeting with Anna, feeling profound pity and sympathy for her. He is defensive and evasive when telling Kitty about the visit, leading to a marital conflict. He later confesses to being influenced by Anna and the corrupting effects of Moscow society.
- Kitty Shcherbatskaya
Initially conceals her hurt and jealousy upon hearing of Levin's visit to Anna. Her emotions eventually erupt into tears and accusations, fearing Anna's influence on Levin. The argument reveals her insecurity and the strain in their marriage.
- Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
Accompanies Levin after the visit, pleased that Levin has been won over by Anna. He is the one who urged Levin to visit her in the first place.
- Anna Arkadyevna Karenina
Though not physically present, she is the central subject of Levin's thoughts and the subsequent argument. Levin describes her as an extraordinary, sweet, and profoundly unhappy woman, whose 'artful influence' he confesses to succumbing to.
Key passages
“"What a marvelous, sweet and unhappy woman!"”
Levin is captivated by Anna's combination of charm and profound sorrow.
This thought encapsulates Levin's immediate and deep emotional response to Anna, which becomes the source of his domestic conflict.
“"You’re in love with that hateful woman; she has bewitched you!"”
Kitty accuses Levin of being infatuated and under Anna's spell.
This outburst reveals Kitty's deep-seated fear and jealousy, interpreting Levin's pity as romantic attraction.
“he had succumbed to Anna’s artful influence, and that he would avoid her.”
Levin admits he was swayed by Anna's captivating manner and promises to stay away from her.
This confession is part of Levin's attempt to soothe Kitty, acknowledging the powerful effect Anna has on others, even himself.