Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 1 summary

Part 2, Chapter 1 of 239 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 1, Kitty’s worsening health brings a celebrated physician to the family home, where his examination causes shame without establishing a certain diagnosis. He recommends mineral waters and permits travel abroad, leaving her mother reassured while Kitty conceals her heartbreak and pretends to welcome the journey.

What happens

After several medicines fail, the family calls a celebrated physician to examine Kitty and advise about travel abroad.
The prince privately dismisses the consultation, while the princess feels guilty about Kitty’s condition.
The doctors discuss possible tuberculosis, nutrition, nerves, and emotional causes without reaching a certain diagnosis.
The celebrated physician recommends the waters at Soden and agrees to foreign travel after hearing that the mother wants it.
Kitty angrily stops his repeated questions, and he treats her reaction as a symptom.
The princess feels reassured after the consultation, while Kitty pretends to recover her spirits and discusses travel preparations.