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Part 2, Chapter 8
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Anna Karenina, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Marriage and Family Life
Adultery and Jealousy
Physical Activity and Movement
Society and Class
Farming and Rural Life
Compassion and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
When Anna returns home, she remarks to Karenin that she is surprised he isn’t in bed. Karenin says that they must talk. Although Anna lies with apparent ease and does not seem anxious, Karenin sees that she has closed her soul to him.
Although Anna pretends to be relaxed, Karenin realizes that something has changed: she has become impenetrable and distant from him, even though she seems the same on the outside.
Themes
Karenin warns Anna that she has been too carefree and animated in her interactions with Vronsky. Anna lightly mocks him, but Karenin continues seriously, saying that he loves her and that their lives are bound together by God. Karenin asks her to tell him if she has feelings for Vronsky, and Anna says that there is nothing to tell. They go to bed, but Anna lies awake, thinking of Vronsky.
Karenin is quite serious in his talk with Anna, and although she pretends to take everything very lightly, she is secretly pleased that he does not accuse her outright or appear to know the full depth of her desires. Anna maintains the façade of her marriage but dreams of Vronsky.
Themes
