Anna Karenina, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 239 · Part 1 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Stepan Arkadyevitch presides over his government board with easy confidence until his old friend Konstantin Dmitrievitch Levin arrives, scorns official work, and asks about the Shtcherbatskys. Their meeting contrasts two ways of life and gives Levin a place to find Kitty, whom he loves.
What happens
- Stepan Arkadyevitch’s connections secure his well-paid position, while his tolerance, friendliness, and detachment earn respect at work.
- A stranger interrupts the board meeting, and Stepan Arkadyevitch recognizes his old friend Levin.
- Levin meets Nikitin and Grinevitch, resents being identified through his famous half-brother, and explains his break with district councils.
- Oblonsky’s teasing embarrasses Levin, who struggles to ask about the Shtcherbatskys.
- After questioning the value of Oblonsky’s work, Levin learns that Kitty skates at the Zoological Gardens.
- The friends arrange to meet there and dine together; after Levin leaves, Oblonsky envies his circumstances and sighs over his own.
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In this chapter
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Where does Oblonsky tell Levin he can find Kitty?
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