Anna Karenina

Definition

Anna Karenina is a novel written by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1877. The story revolves around the tragic love affair between the titular character, Anna, and Count Vronsky, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian society. This work is a quintessential example of realism, illustrating social commentary on themes like marriage, infidelity, and the consequences of personal choices in a rigid societal framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is structured in eight parts and is known for its complex characters and intricate plot lines that weave together multiple narratives.
2. Tolstoy uses contrasting characters, such as Anna and Kitty, to highlight different approaches to love and marriage in Russian society.
3. Themes of fate and free will are central to the novel, with characters facing moral dilemmas that reflect their struggles against societal expectations.
4. The famous opening line, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,' sets the tone for exploring the intricacies of family dynamics.
5. Anna's tragic end serves as a powerful commentary on the harsh realities faced by women in society, particularly regarding love, betrayal, and social ostracism.

Review Questions

• How does Tolstoy's use of realism in Anna Karenina reflect the societal issues of 19th-century Russia?
  • Tolstoy's use of realism in Anna Karenina vividly captures the complexities of 19th-century Russian society, illustrating issues such as class disparity, marital expectations, and societal norms. The characters are portrayed with depth, showcasing their struggles and desires within a restrictive framework. Through Anna's affair with Vronsky and her subsequent downfall, Tolstoy critiques the rigid social structures that dictate personal happiness and moral integrity.
• Discuss how Anna Karenina serves as a social commentary on marriage and infidelity in the context of its time.
  • Anna Karenina serves as a sharp social commentary on the institution of marriage and the taboo surrounding infidelity during the 19th century. Tolstoy juxtaposes Anna's passionate but doomed relationship with Vronsky against other marriages in the novel to illustrate varying degrees of happiness and fulfillment. The novel critiques societal hypocrisy where men often escape consequences for infidelity while women face severe social repercussions, highlighting the inequities entrenched in marital dynamics.
• Evaluate how Tolstoy employs psychological realism in developing Anna's character arc throughout the novel.
  • Tolstoy masterfully employs psychological realism to develop Anna's character arc by delving into her inner thoughts and emotional turmoil. As she navigates her love for Vronsky alongside her duties as a mother and wife, readers witness her psychological struggle between desire and societal expectation. This depth allows readers to empathize with Anna’s plight, illustrating her tragic transformation from a vibrant woman to one consumed by despair due to societal rejection, thus making her fate all the more poignant.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that aims to depict everyday life and society as it truly is, focusing on the ordinary and the common man.

Social Commentary: The act of using literature to critique or comment on societal issues and injustices, often reflecting the author's perspective on social norms.

Psychological Realism: A narrative style that emphasizes the inner thoughts and emotions of characters, revealing their psychological motivations and complexities.