Anna Karenina, Part 7, Chapter 17 summary
Part 7, Chapter 17 of 239 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, Stepan Arkadyevitch travels to Petersburg to pursue a well-paid committee appointment and obtain Karenin’s answer about Anna’s divorce, but their conversation centers on employment and salaries. Karenin questions rewards secured through influence, while recollection of a humiliating visit to Volgarinov exposes the discomfort behind Stepan Arkadyevitch’s confident pursuit.
What happens
- With forest proceeds nearly exhausted and Darya Alexandrovna refusing another receipt, Stepan Arkadyevitch seeks a better-paid position.
- He uses family and friends to pursue a committee appointment, then borrows money from Dolly and travels to Petersburg.
- He listens impatiently to Karenin’s financial report before asking him to approach Pomorsky about the post.
- Karenin challenges excessive salaries and appointments obtained through influence, while Stepan Arkadyevitch stresses the committee’s usefulness and honesty.
- Mention of Volgarinov makes Stepan Arkadyevitch blush as he recalls waiting two hours and receiving almost no help.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Karenin does not accept honesty as sufficient qualification. His reply also exposes the difference between his meaning of the word and Stepan Arkadyevitch’s Moscow usage.
Quick check
Why does Stepan Arkadyevitch ask Karenin to speak to Pomorsky?
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