Anna Karenina, Part 2, Chapter 32 summary
Part 2, Chapter 32 of 239 · 7 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 32, Kitty accompanies Varenka’s singing and learns that her calm survives a disappointed love, which prompts Kitty to reveal her own feelings of humiliation. Varenka denies that Kitty has anything to be ashamed of, but leaves without explaining what matters more than romantic disappointment.
What happens
- The princess learns about Varenka’s upbringing by Madame Stahl and approves of Kitty’s friendship with her.
- Varenka sings for the princess’s guests, while Kitty admires her talent and indifference to praise.
- An Italian song prompts Varenka to describe a mutual love that ends when the man obeys his mother and marries someone else.
- Kitty reveals her shame over her own disappointed love, but Varenka insists that she does nothing wrong.
- Kitty seeks an explanation of Varenka’s peace, but Varenka leaves alone to attend to her obligations.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Varenka separates disappointed love from moral fault. Her response challenges Kitty’s conviction that revealing affection through her behavior is shameful.
Quick check
Why does Varenka say the man she loves marries someone else?
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