Anna Karenina, Chapter 34 summary
Chapter 34 of 239 · Part 1 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 34, Vronsky returns to his Petersburg rooms and slips back into familiar company, enjoying Baroness Shilton’s jokes and Petritsky’s gossip despite a brief sense of contrast with Moscow. He leaves to report for duty and plans social visits intended to bring him into circles where he might meet Madame Karenina.
What happens
- Vronsky arrives at his rooms and finds Petritsky, Baroness Shilton, and Kamerovsky gathered around a coffee pot.
- The baroness asks about marriage, discusses her husband’s refusal to divorce her, and seeks advice about recovering her property.
- Vronsky briefly notices the contrast with Moscow, then rejoins his friends’ easy laughter as the coffee spills.
- While Vronsky washes, Petritsky describes debts, threatened punishment, romantic interests, and a quarrel with Berkoshov.
- Petritsky’s story about Buzulukov hiding fruit and sweets in a helmet makes Vronsky laugh repeatedly.
- Vronsky dresses, leaves to report for duty, and plans visits aimed at meeting Madame Karenina.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Anna Karenina, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Vronsky’s reply rejects the marriage rumor and presents him as committed to an unattached life. It fits the carefree values of his Petersburg companions.
Quick check
Why does Buzulukov resist handing over his helmet?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Anna Karenina, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
