Anna Karenina, Part 4, Chapter 12 summary
Part 4, Chapter 12 of 239 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Dolly urges Alexey Alexandrovitch to forgive Anna and abandon divorce, but his account of Anna’s confession shakes her belief in her friend’s innocence. His cold manner gives way to grief and hatred, and neither Dolly’s own marriage nor her Christian appeal changes his resolve.
What happens
- Pestsov discusses unequal punishments for infidelity, and Turovtsin reports a fatal duel over a wife.
- Dolly takes Alexey Alexandrovitch into the schoolroom and insists that Anna cannot be guilty.
- Alexey Alexandrovitch describes Anna’s confession and admits that his misery makes him question even his son’s parentage.
- Dolly urges him to avoid divorce, fearing that Anna would lose her place as a wife.
- Dolly recalls forgiving her own husband with Anna’s help, but Alexey Alexandrovitch rejects forgiveness and leaves.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Alexey Alexandrovitch rejects forgiveness as both impossible and unjustified. The statement makes clear why Dolly’s example and religious appeal cannot persuade him.
Quick check
What example does Dolly use to urge Alexey Alexandrovitch to forgive Anna?
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