Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina: Part 1, Chapter 32 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Anna is somewhat disappointed to see her son, since she has imagined him as an ideal and must descend into reality to enjoy his charms. Countess Lydia arrives and tells Anna all the church gossip, but Anna is suddenly bored with what now seem to be petty affairs.
Although Anna loves her son, his physical reality does not match the version of him in her imagination, so she is disappointed. She cannot bring herself to be interested in her old life.
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Quotes
However, after the Countess Lydia leaves and another acquaintance comes and goes, Anna begins to feel less agitated. She tells herself that nothing has really happened with Vronsky and that there is nothing, therefore, to tell her husband about.
However, when Anna has readjusted to her position, she begins to feel re-centered, just like Levin’s readjustment back to life in the country upon returning from Moscow.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Adultery and Jealousy Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon