Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 30 summary
Part 2, Chapter 30 of 239 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 30, Kitty grows bored with the established company at a German spa and becomes fascinated by Varenka, whose care for sick people suggests a purpose beyond courtship. Her admiration grows through observation rather than conversation, while learning that another visitor is Konstantin’s brother turns her imagined romance about him into disgust.
What happens
- The Shtcherbatskys gain a fixed social position after Kitty’s introduction to a German princess.
- After Prince Shtcherbatsky leaves for Carlsbad, Kitty grows bored and studies unfamiliar visitors, imagining admirable lives for them.
- Kitty notices Varenka caring for Madame Stahl and other sick people, and senses a mutual liking.
- Varenka’s constant helpful activity offers Kitty an appealing example of dignity outside courtship.
- The princess identifies two visitors as Nikolay Levin and Marya Nikolaevna, destroying Kitty’s favorable fantasies about them.
- Disturbed especially by Nikolay’s connection to Konstantin, Kitty feels disgust and avoids his gaze.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Varenka’s busy care for others contrasts with Kitty’s bored self-consciousness. Kitty sees her as an example of a more purposeful life.
Quick check
What most strongly makes Nikolay Levin unpleasant to Kitty?
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