Anna Karenina, Part 3, Chapter 18 summary
Part 3, Chapter 18 of 239 · 6 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 18, Anna Karenina meets fashionable guests at Princess Betsy’s gathering, where Liza Merkalova questions her about escaping boredom and Stremov offers flattering attention. Their company tempts Anna to postpone a painful explanation, but the thought of facing her distress alone at home makes her leave.
What happens
- Sappho Shtoltz arrives with Vaska, impressing Anna with her beauty, extravagant clothes, and bold manners.
- Another admirer follows Sappho, and Prince Kaluzhsky, Liza Merkalova, and Stremov arrive soon afterward.
- Liza warmly greets Anna, refuses to join croquet, and asks how Anna avoids boredom.
- Stremov recommends work and freedom from expectations of boredom, while showing Anna deliberate warmth despite opposing her husband.
- Liza and Stremov urge Anna to stay, but she resists postponing a painful explanation and leaves.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Stremov proposes effort as an answer to boredom. Liza immediately challenges this remedy because she sees no useful purpose for her work.
Quick check
Why does Stremov deliberately treat Anna with special warmth?
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