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Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 28 summary

Part 2, Chapter 28 of 239 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 28, Anna watches Vronsky race while Alexey Alexandrovitch tries to quiet his distress through conversation and then studies her face. Her complete absorption in one rider forces him to recognize the attachment he does not want to acknowledge, while falls and injuries unsettle the crowd.

What happens

  1. Anna sees Alexey Alexandrovitch approach the pavilion, despises his social mannerisms, and pretends not to notice him.
  2. Betsy calls him over, and he discusses the military value of racing with an adjutant general.
  3. Anna resents her husband’s steady conversation, unaware that he talks to suppress his own distress.
  4. Betsy names Kuzovlev as her and Anna’s choice, while Stepan Arkadyevitch bets on Vronsky.
  5. When racing begins, Alexey Alexandrovitch watches Anna and reluctantly recognizes what her absorption in one man reveals.
  6. Repeated falls injure many riders, one officer suffers a fatal injury, and the Tsar’s displeasure increases the crowd’s agitation.

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In this chapter

AnnaVronskyAlexey AlexandrovitchStepan Arkadyevitch

What to notice

Alexey Alexandrovitch defends racing as useful training rather than crude entertainment. The serious injuries place that confident distinction under pressure.

Quick check

Why does Alexey Alexandrovitch talk so much before the race?

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