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Anna Karenina, Chapter 9 summary

Chapter 9 of 239 · Part 1 · 10 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, Levin meets Kitty at the skating rink, where her warmth encourages him but his hints of deeper feeling make her withdraw. Her farewell renews his hope of an evening visit, although her private thoughts distinguish affection for him from love, leaving his expectations uncertain as he departs with Stepan Arkadyevitch.

What happens

  1. Levin arrives at the Zoological Gardens, finds Kitty on the ice, and struggles to master his excitement.
  2. Kitty invites him to skate together, but grows cold when he speaks of her leaning on him.
  3. After speaking with Mlle. Linon, Levin hints that his stay depends on Kitty, and she skates away.
  4. Levin attempts a difficult skating trick, while Kitty watches affectionately and privately recognizes that she does not love him.
  5. Princess Shtcherbatskaya invites Levin to visit, and Kitty softens her mother's stiffness with a warm farewell.
  6. Levin leaves with Stepan Arkadyevitch for the England, wavering between hope and despair while his companion plans dinner.

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In this chapter

LevinKittyStepan Arkadyevitch

What to notice

Kitty’s private thought separates enjoyment of Levin's company from romantic love. It contrasts with his renewed hope after her farewell.

Quick check

Why does Stepan Arkadyevitch choose the England rather than the Hermitage?

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