Anna Karenina, Part 4, Chapter 17 summary
Part 4, Chapter 17 of 239 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, Alexey Alexandrovitch answers Anna’s urgent telegram and returns to Petersburg, where her dangerous illness after childbirth turns his resentment into wholehearted forgiveness. As doctors begin to see hope for her survival, he tells Vronsky that he forgives them both and accepts remaining with Anna as his duty.
What happens
- Two telegrams announce Stremov’s appointment to a coveted post and Anna’s plea for her husband to come and forgive her.
- Alexey Alexandrovitch returns to Petersburg, suspects deception, and recognizes his own wish that Anna might die.
- Overcome by love and compassion, Alexey Alexandrovitch weeps beside Anna and gives Vronsky his hand at her request.
- Anna suffers fever and unconsciousness, but on the third day the doctors report some hope.
- Alexey Alexandrovitch renounces revenge, promises not to abandon Anna, and asks Vronsky to leave for now.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Alexey Alexandrovitch identifies seeing Anna’s suffering as the moment that overturns his desire for revenge. Forgiveness becomes the basis of his decision to stay with her.
Quick check
What does Alexey Alexandrovitch ask Vronsky to do after explaining his forgiveness?
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