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Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 17 summary

Part 2, Chapter 17 of 239 · 7 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 17, Konstantin Levin attacks Stepan Arkadyevitch’s forest sale, but his anger also comes from Kitty’s rejection and his resentment of Vronsky. After defending his family standing and admitting how deeply the rejection hurts, Levin apologizes to his friend, and they agree to shoot together in the morning.

What happens

  1. Stepan Arkadyevitch celebrates the completed forest sale, while Levin broods over Kitty’s illness and her preference for Vronsky.
  2. Levin condemns Ryabinin and argues that careless noble landowners lose their wealth to calculating buyers.
  3. At supper, Stepan Arkadyevitch praises the food, while Levin struggles to ask about Vronsky.
  4. In the bedroom, Stepan Arkadyevitch says Vronsky remains in Petersburg and suggests Levin gives up his courtship too easily.
  5. Levin defends his inherited standing, admits that Kitty rejects his proposal, and asks to stop discussing her.
  6. Levin apologizes, Stepan Arkadyevitch reassures him, and they agree on morning shooting.

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In this chapter

LevinVronskyKittyStepan Arkadyevitch

What to notice

Levin names the hurt beneath his arguments. Speaking openly allows him to apologize and restore friendly relations.

Quick check

Why does Levin think Stepan Arkadyevitch mishandles the forest sale?

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