Anna Karenina, Part 6, Chapter 24 summary
Part 6, Chapter 24 of 239 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 24, Anna tells Dolly that seeking divorce risks humiliation without restoring her son, and that she cannot choose between Seryozha and Alexey. Dolly decides to return home, while Anna takes morphine and leaves Vronsky unaware of their conversation; at home, Dolly sincerely defends the hosts whose company makes her uneasy.
What happens
- Dolly urges Anna to seek divorce, but Anna describes the humiliation and refusal she fears.
- Anna explains that she loves Seryozha and Alexey above herself but cannot have both, then breaks into tears.
- Dolly resolves to return to her children, while Anna takes morphine before joining Vronsky without explaining their conversation.
- The next morning, Dolly leaves despite her hosts’ protests, and Anna grieves the loss of their emotional connection.
- During the journey, Philip and the clerk criticize the household, and Dolly agrees that the visit feels dreary.
- Back home, Dolly enthusiastically describes the visit and sincerely defends Anna and Vronsky.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Anna identifies the conflict beneath her resistance to divorce. A legal change cannot give her the shared life with her son and Alexey that she wants.
Quick check
Why does Anna believe divorce cannot solve her central problem?
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