Theme Summary of Anna Karenina

The novel Anna Karenina, authored by Leo Tolstoy, stands as a masterpiece of classical literature from 1878. Originally written in Russian, it unfolds in eight parts focusing on the life of the protagonist, Anna Arkadyevna Karenina. The story is entirely fictional and revolves around themes of marriage, family, friends, and love — the most crucial aspects of life. Additional major themes include morality and hypocrisy within ancient Russian society, urging readers to reflect on their own decisions and life paths.

Tolstoy takes the audience on a whirlwind of emotions, illustrating Anna’s life from her extramarital affair with Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, to their life in Italy, and then back to a judgmental Russian society — ultimately leading to her tragic death.

Characters

Since the novel is based on orthodox Russian society, the characters’ names follow traditional Russian naming conventions, where each person has three names:

• First Name: Personal name

• Middle Name: Father’s name + “son” or “daughter”

• Last Name: Family name

Key characters include:

• Anna Karenina — The protagonist, a high-society woman whose love life drives the story.

• Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin — Anna’s husband, a high-ranking official in St. Petersburg known for his emotional distance.

• Sergei Alexeytich Karenin — Anna and Alexey’s son.

• Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky — Wealthy man and potential high-ranked Russian army officer who falls in love with Anna.

• Katerina Alexandrovna Shtcherbatsky (Kitty) — A princess who later becomes Levin’s spouse.

• Konstantin Dmitrich Levin (Kostya) — The autobiographical protagonist symbolizing Tolstoy within the novel.

• Prince Stepan Arkadyevitch Oblonsky (Stiva) — Anna’s brother and a notorious playboy.

• Princess Darya Alexandrovna Oblonsky (Dolly) — Stiva’s wife, who suffers from his infidelity over the years.

Plot Summary

Anna Karenina was originally published in 8 parts, but English translations typically span two volumes, totaling over 800 pages.

1st Part

The story opens in the Oblonsky household, which is in turmoil when Dolly discovers her husband Stiva’s affair with their former French governess. Dolly confronts him, but Stiva excuses his infidelity by blaming her fading beauty. Dolly, a devoted wife and mother of five, is outraged and attempts to leave.

After three days, as Stiva prepares to go to work, Dolly packs to leave. Stiva begs her forgiveness, calling his betrayal a "lapse of passion," but Dolly is disgusted and decides to leave despite his pleas.

This opening also introduces Konstantin Levin, a close friend of Stiva’s, who plans to propose to Kitty Shtcherbatsky, Dolly’s younger sister. Levin meets Kitty at a skating rink but is heartbroken when she politely rejects him, favoring the wealthy Count Vronsky instead.

Stiva invites Levin to dinner with the Shtcherbatsky family, where Levin feels out of place amid their lavish lifestyle. Stiva tells Levin about Vronsky, who is courting Kitty but has no intention to marry soon.

Meanwhile, Vronsky visits the train station to meet his mother and encounters Anna, who arrives on the same train. He notices Anna’s beauty but restrains himself, aware she is married.

During her visit, Anna persuades Dolly to reconcile with Stiva. Kitty admires Anna’s cheerful, mature personality but soon faces heartbreak when she sees Anna and Vronsky dance, sensing a mutual attraction.

Back at his brother’s simple lodging, Levin reflects on his failed proposal and the difference between his humble lifestyle and the wealthy society. He decides to return to his estate, where he feels at peace.

Anna, noticing Kitty’s discomfort with Vronsky, decides to leave Moscow early to return to her husband and son. At the train station, she meets Vronsky again; he admits following her, but she rejects him.

At home, Anna finds some joy with her son but feels distant from her husband, Alexey, who criticizes Stiva’s disloyalty.

In Petersburg, Vronsky enjoys his social life before planning a visit to Anna, facilitated by his cousin, Princess Betsy Tverskoy, who is connected to Anna by marriage.

Question and Answer

Theme and Setting

 Q: Who is the author of Anna Karenina?
 A: Leo Tolstoy.

 Q: When did the book come out for the first time?
 A: In 1878.

 Q: What language did Anna Karenina first come out in?
 A: Russian.

 Q: What are the key ideas of the book?
 A: Love, marriage, family, friends, morals, and hypocrisy.

 Q: How many parts does the book have?
 A: Eight pieces.

 People

 Q: Who is the main character in the book Anna Karenina.?
 A: Anna Arkadyevna Karenina.

 Q: What does Alexey Alexandrovitch Karenin do?
 A: Anna's husband and a high-ranking government officer.

 Q: Who is Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky?
 A: An army officer with a lot of money who falls in love with Anna.

 Q: Who is Dolly Oblonsky?
 A: Stiva's wife, who is hurt by his cheating.

 Part 1 of the Plot

 Q: What happens at the start of the book?
 A: Dolly finds out that her spouse Stiva is cheating on her.

 Q: What does Stiva say to explain why he cheated?
 A: By saying that Dolly's beauty is waning.

 Q: What does Dolly decide to do after she finds out about Stiva's affair?
 A: She chooses to break up with him.

 Q: Who is going to ask Kitty Shtcherbatsky to marry him?
 A: Levin.

 Q: Why did Kitty turn down Levin's offer?
 A: She likes Count Vronsky better.

 Anna and Vronsky

 Q: Where do Anna and Vronsky first see one other?
 A: At a rail station.

 Q: How does Kitty know that Anna and Vronsky are interested in one other?
 A: She sees it while they are dancing.

 Q: Who helps Vronsky get to know Anna better in Petersburg?
 A: Princess Betsy Tverskoy, his cousin.

 Q: What does Alexey Karenin think about Stiva's disloyalty?
 A: He doesn't like it.