Anna Karenina · Chapter
Stepan Arkadyevitch in Petersburg explained
Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) is in Petersburg on business, including his sister Anna's divorce and seeking a new government appointment.
What happens
Stepan Arkadyevitch (Stiva) is in Petersburg on business, including his sister Anna's divorce and seeking a new government appointment. He feels rejuvenated by the city's social atmosphere, which contrasts with the 'stagnant bog' of Moscow. He reflects on how Petersburg's attitudes toward family, debt, and career justify his own lifestyle. The chapter includes his flirtatious conversation with Princess Betsy Tverskaya and a revealing discussion with Princess Myakaya about Karenin's new dependence on the mystic Landau (Count Bezzubov) for decisions, including Anna's fate.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Social Pretense
Petersburg society is depicted as openly indulging in affairs, debt, and self-interest while condemning others like Anna; Princess Myakaya points out the hypocrisy of those who 'hide' their actions.
Social Conventions vs. Individual Desire
Stepan Arkadyevitch feels liberated in Petersburg, where living 'for oneself' is culturally accepted, contrasting with Moscow's stifling domestic and moral conventions.
Characters to notice
- Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky
Seeks a new appointment and feels revitalized by Petersburg's permissive social codes; learns from Princess Myakaya that Karenin consults Landau about Anna's divorce.
- Princess Betsy Tverskaya
Engages in her usual flirtatious banter with Stepan Arkadyevitch; her arrival provides the setting for the discussion about Anna.
- Princess Myakaya
Provides gossip and insight, defending Anna's actions and revealing that Karenin and Countess Lidia Ivanovna rely on the mystic Landau to make decisions.
- Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin
Mentioned as having deferred a decision on Anna's divorce and now being under the influence of Lidia Ivanovna and Landau.
- Countess Lidia Ivanovna
Described as having 'lost her heart' to Landau; now a key influence over Karenin, controlling access and decisions.
- Monsieur Landau
Revealed to be a former shop clerk turned clairvoyant, now called Count Bezzubov; his advice is sought by Karenin and Lidia Ivanovna on personal matters, including Anna's fate.
Key passages
“In Petersburg he always felt ten years younger.”
The atmosphere of Petersburg revitalizes Stepan Arkadyevitch, making him feel youthful and free from the burdens he feels in Moscow.
Highlights the contrasting effects of the two cities on his spirit and self-perception.
“What would have been said to that in Moscow?”
Stepan Arkadyevitch reflects that behaviors accepted in Petersburg, like maintaining a second family, would be scandalous in Moscow.
Emphasizes the differing moral codes and social judgments between the two capitals.
“so your sister’s fate is now in the hands of Landau”
Princess Myakaya explains that the decision about Anna's divorce rests with the clairvoyant Landau, whom Karenin and Lidia Ivanovna consult.
Reveals the absurd and precarious influence of mysticism over a major legal and personal matter.