Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

by

Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina: Part 3, Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Dolly decides to take her children to communion to set a good example for them, and with the help of the children’s nurse, the task of making sure the children’s clothing is ready is completed. All goes well, except that one son is forbidden cake for disobeying the governess; when his sister sneaks him part of her dessert, however, Dolly finds the scene lovable. Everyone goes to the bathing house. Dolly bonds with some of the peasant women by talking about their children and domestic affairs.
Although Dolly is not sure how much she herself believes in the church, she wants to set a good example for her children. Tender domestic scenes ensue, and the children appear to be well and thriving—they all care about each other. Dolly finds herself connecting with the peasants through their shared experiences raising children and managing households.
Themes
Marriage and Family Life Theme Icon
Society and Class Theme Icon
Farming and Rural Life Theme Icon
Compassion and Forgiveness Theme Icon