Anna Karenina

Definition

Anna Karenina is a novel by Russian author Leo Tolstoy, published in 1877, that explores themes of love, infidelity, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of Russian society. The story centers around the tragic affair between the titular character, Anna, and Count Vronsky, revealing the societal pressures and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anna Karenina is often considered one of the greatest novels ever written, with its intricate narrative structure and deep psychological insight into its characters.
2. The novel's famous opening line, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way,' sets the stage for exploring various familial relationships throughout the story.
3. Tolstoy uses contrasting characters, such as Anna and Levin, to highlight different perspectives on love, duty, and personal fulfillment within society.
4. The themes of social hypocrisy and the constraints of societal expectations are central to Anna's tragic fate as she struggles to find happiness outside her marriage.
5. The novel illustrates the tension between individual desires and societal norms, showing how personal choices can lead to profound consequences within a community.

Review Questions

• How does Anna Karenina exemplify the principles of Russian Realism in its portrayal of characters and society?
  • Anna Karenina exemplifies Russian Realism through its detailed portrayal of characters' psychological depth and the complexities of their lives. Tolstoy focuses on everyday experiences, illustrating how societal expectations impact personal choices. The struggles faced by Anna and other characters reflect real social issues in 19th-century Russia, making their stories relatable and deeply human.
• Analyze how Tolstoy contrasts different characters in Anna Karenina to convey messages about love and morality.
  • In Anna Karenina, Tolstoy contrasts characters like Anna and Levin to explore differing views on love and morality. While Anna's passionate affair leads her to despair due to societal judgment, Levin finds fulfillment through a more traditional and grounded relationship. This contrast highlights the conflict between individual desires and moral standards prevalent in Russian society, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of true happiness.
• Evaluate the impact of societal norms on Anna's choices throughout the novel and discuss how this reflects broader themes of Russian Realism.
  • Anna's choices are heavily influenced by societal norms that dictate her behavior as a woman in 19th-century Russia. Her struggle against these conventions reveals broader themes of Russian Realism, such as individual freedom versus societal constraints. Ultimately, Anna's tragic end serves as a critique of a rigid social structure that limits personal happiness and underscores the consequences of defying societal expectations.

Related terms

Realism:

A literary movement that aims to represent everyday life and society as it is, focusing on ordinary characters and realistic events.

Tolstoyan Philosophy: The ethical and moral beliefs espoused by Leo Tolstoy, emphasizing simplicity, nonviolence, and a deep connection to spirituality.

Russian Society: The social structure and cultural norms of Russia during the 19th century, characterized by a rigid class system and changing values influenced by modernization.