Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 11 summary
Part 2, Chapter 11 of 239 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 11, Anna and Vronsky fulfill their desire, but shame overwhelms her, and she tells him that he is all she has. Unable to explain or examine her feelings, she repeatedly postpones reflection and dreams in terror that Alexey Alexandrovitch and Alexey Vronsky are both her husbands.
What happens
- Their desire fulfilled, Vronsky begs Anna to be calm as she sinks toward the floor and asks forgiveness.
- Anna feels humiliated, while Vronsky experiences their love through an extended comparison with a murderer and his victim.
- Anna tells Vronsky she has no one else, rejects his talk of happiness, and leaves him.
- Over the following days, Anna cannot understand her feelings and pushes away frightening thoughts about her situation.
- A recurring dream makes both men her affectionate husbands, but she wakes in terror.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Anna places the weight of her isolation on Vronsky. Her words show dependence rather than the uncomplicated happiness he tries to express.
Quick check
What happens in Anna’s recurring dream?
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