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Anna Karenina, Chapter 28 summary

Chapter 28 of 239 · Part 1 · 5 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 28, Anna Arkadyevna prepares to leave Moscow early and tells Dolly that Kitty is jealous of her after the ball. Although Anna minimizes her responsibility, she recognizes her excitement about Vronsky and leaves to avoid him, while Dolly offers lasting affection and thanks.

What happens

  1. Anna sends her husband a telegram announcing her departure and spends the morning settling accounts, writing notes, and packing.
  2. Kitty declines dinner because of a headache, and the children lose interest in Anna.
  3. Dolly follows Anna upstairs and finds her anxious, tearful, and unwilling to accept praise for helping her.
  4. Anna says Kitty is jealous, while privately recognizing that her attraction to Vronsky drives her early departure.
  5. Dolly questions Vronsky’s suitability for Kitty, and Anna asks her to repair the strained relationship.
  6. Stepan Arkadyevitch arrives late, and Dolly gives Anna an affectionate farewell.

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In this chapter

AnnaVronskyKittyDollyStepan Arkadyevitch

What to notice

Anna challenges Dolly’s ideal picture of her. The remark introduces her confession about Kitty and exposes the gap between her reassuring words and private feelings.

Quick check

What private reason explains Anna’s early departure?

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