Summary of Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This is the simple
blog friendly summary of the novel, but if you prefer the longer more
comprehensive summary I wrote there is a google docs link at the bottom of the page. I
actually do prefer the longer summary because it is more entertaining like
reading a short story.
The simplest way to summarize the plot is to break it up
into two separate story lines involving the main characters of Anna Karenina
and Levin. Although both story lines constantly interact with each they don’t
affect each other’s plot for the most part. The novel begins with a love
triangle between Anna, Kitty, and Vronsky before the stories diverge. Anna is a
St. Petersburg socialite that’s admired by almost everyone, but her main admirer is a young up and coming Calvary man named Vronsky. Anna is married,
but that doesn’t stop the endless chapters of flirtations and affairs behind
her husband’s back.
Kitty was kicked to the curb by Vronsky and is distraught
because she rejected her other suitor in Levin. Coping with this rejection,
Levin takes up a heavy interest in his farming. After a year of avoidance Kitty
and Levin nervously reconcile and marry. This will end up being the foil
relationship to Anna and Vronsky, because while Anna’s love started out strong
it begins to wither.
After tension filled chapters Anna finally confesses her
relationship to her husband named Karenin. Karenin was upset, but doesn’t want
the embarrassment of a divorce and stays married. Vronsky and Anna continue
their relationship, but Anna soon is on her deathbed after giving birth to
Vronsky’s child. Karenin forgives Anna and Vronsky, but soon after Anna cheats
death she and Vronsky leave St. Petersburg. Happiness soon turns gloomy after
Anna becomes unhappy in her social situation and her divorce situation with Karenin
who wont grant a one. Suffering from constant jealousy and an addiction to
morphine Anna tragically commits suicide by jumping in front of a train.
Kitty and Levin suffer no major problems after they get
married and live happily ever after on Levin’s farm. There were important tests
in the relationship that worked out for the better as the couple welcomed a
baby towards the end of the book.
My review of the novel
is soon to follow.....
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