Anna Karenina

A detailed Summary of Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy's novel, Anna Karenina, upon its release received a

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

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

downfall of Anna, who has succumbed to passion for her lover.

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

other themes that exists in the novel.

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

because the book is so beautifully crated." With regards to the theme,

reader is able to better understand how the role of death is critical

before had been enshrouded in darkness, flickered, grew dim, and went

Approximate Word count = 1504
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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