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Part 2, Chapter 5
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Anna Karenina, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Marriage and Family Life
Adultery and Jealousy
Physical Activity and Movement
Society and Class
Farming and Rural Life
Compassion and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
After the opera, Princess Betsy hosts her social set at her house. Before Vronsky, Anna, and Karenin arrive, several people gossip about the love triangle. Another society lady defends Anna, deriding Karenin as stupid, and saying that it’s not Anna’s fault if everyone falls in love with her.
Petersburg society is well aware of the complex relationship between Anna and Vronsky, but neither of their reputations is tarnished; on the contrary, Karenin is seen as somewhat stupid, and Anna praised as irresistible. The social circle accepts a certain level of flirtatious—or even more—behavior.
Themes
Vronsky arrives from the “Bouffe,” or the French comic opera, which is more entertaining but a less respectable show than the opera.
Vronsky chooses to lead an entertaining but less respectable lifestyle.
Themes
