mix critical reception, with Russian critics either condemning

or applauding the novel primarily on its views of Russian society.

Thematically, the novel parallels its heroine's, Anna Karenina,

moral and social conflicts with Constantin Levin's internal struggle

to find the meaning of life. There are many others underlying themes

which links the novel as a whole, yet many critics at the time only

looked upon its critical view of Russian life. Henry James called

Tolstoy's novels as "loose and baggy monsters' of stylessness, but

Tolstoy stated of Anna Karenina ".....I am very proud of its

architecture--its vaults are joined so that one cannot even notice

where the keystone is." That is absolutely correct, because within

Anna Karenina, there exists many themes that are all linked together

to create such a wonderful piece of work. Critics tend to miss the

role that the theme of life and death plays in Tolstoy's Anna

Karenina. Despite its apparent meanings, these two themes are

intertwined in the novel and provides a backbone for some of the other

existing themes. With a masterful touch, Tolstoy is able to use these

to make the leap of faith. This the leap of faith which the other

the characters find themselves at times of near death situations or on

Death is an integral part of everybody's life and no matter who it

to the novel. Levin serves as the backbone for Tolstoy's emphasis on

of death and even though he does not completely change, he now knows

in the presence of death, and the three characters live in a

dazzled by his own generosity. Death for Karenin becomes the basic

able to discover for himself the meaning of life in the world and

heights of their emotional intensity. Hate and deceit no longer exist

Death in the novel is personified by Levin's brother, the

The characters are shown to be living in a state of delusion, and as

working and enjoying the fruits of his labor, instead of indulging

becomes human and not hidden from life by his administrative

the "natural life" where one loves and procreates, as opposed to the

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1385
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)