Anna's Desperate Visit explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Isolation and Misunderstanding

  Anna feels utterly alone and misunderstood, even by Dolly. She believes Kitty looks down on her, and her internal monologue reveals a profound sense of being an outcast from decent society.

• Social Conventions vs. Individual Desire

  Anna's entire visit is strained by the weight of social judgment. She knows her position violates convention, which dictates that 'no decent woman' should receive her, creating the hostile atmosphere she perceives.

• Hypocrisy and Social Pretense

  The social charade is palpable. Dolly feels she must awkwardly explain Kitty's initial reluctance, and Anna puts on a brave, contemptuous front while internally crumbling, highlighting the gap between true feeling and social performance.

Characters to notice

• Anna Arkadyevna Karenina

  In a state of intense inner turmoil, cycling through defiance, shame, and despair. She visits Dolly seeking support but feels judged by Kitty's presence, hardening her resolve and deepening her misery.

• Darya Alexandrovna Oblonskaya

  Attempts to mediate between Anna and Kitty, feeling awkward and concerned by Anna's strangely irritable and piteous condition. She shares news of Stiva's correspondence about Karenin.

• Kitty Shcherbatskaya

  Initially conflicted about meeting Anna, but her antagonism melts upon seeing Anna's distress. She feels compassion for Anna, who responds with a pointed, hostile remark about Levin.

• Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky

  Mentioned in a letter to Dolly; he is in Petersburg attempting to negotiate with Karenin on Anna's behalf but cannot get a decisive answer.

• Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin

  Referenced indirectly as the source of indecision in Stiva's negotiations; his unwillingness to give a clear answer prolongs Anna's uncertain state.

• Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin

  Mentioned by Anna in a malicious comment to Kitty, stating she liked him when he visited her. Kitty reveals he has returned to the country.

Key passages

• “"I entreat him to forgive me. I have given in to him. I have owned myself in fault. What for? Can’t I live without him?"”

  Anna questions her own submission to Vronsky, wondering why she humbled herself and if she is truly dependent on him.

  Shows her fluctuating between defiance and subservience, a key internal conflict.

• “"Dolly will think I’m leaving my second husband, and so I certainly must be in the wrong. As if I cared to be right! I can’t help it!"”

  Anna anticipates Dolly's judgment based on social norms but dismisses the importance of being 'right' in the face of her overwhelming unhappiness.

  Highlights her rebellion against social morality in favor of personal emotional truth.

• “"I know that in my position I can’t be received by any decent woman. I knew that from the first moment I sacrificed everything to him. And this is my reward!"”

  Anna acknowledges the full social cost of her choice to be with Vronsky and views her current isolation and humiliation as the direct consequence.

  A moment of bitter clarity about the social exile her passion has purchased.

• “"He came to see me, and I liked him exceedingly," she said, unmistakably with malicious intent.”

  Anna tells Kitty she liked Levin, a comment deliberately meant to wound, reminding Kitty of Vronsky's past love for her and asserting a connection to Kitty's husband.

  Demonstrates Anna's spite and desire to inflict pain when she feels wounded and judged.