Anna Karenina, Part 3, Chapter 20 summary
Part 3, Chapter 20 of 239 · 5 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, Vronsky examines the limits of his personal code after Anna tells him she is pregnant, and he questions whether he can support a shared life outside her marriage. Serpuhovskoy’s rapid advancement revives his military ambition, and Vronsky reassures himself that remaining in the army preserves his opportunities without sacrificing Anna’s love.
What happens
- Vronsky’s narrow code gives him confidence about honor, Anna’s love, society’s silence, and her husband’s right to demand a duel.
- Anna’s pregnancy leaves him uncertain because his rules offer no clear guidance about their responsibilities.
- He reconsiders asking Anna to leave her husband because he lacks money and would need to leave the army.
- He recalls a refused position that stalls his advancement and the independence he maintains to disguise his disappointment.
- Serpuhovskoy’s success renews his ambition, and he reasons that staying in the army preserves his chances.
- Feeling calm and satisfied with his reasoning, Vronsky bathes, dresses, and goes out.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Vronsky treats leaving the army as an irreversible loss of opportunity. This thought helps him justify keeping his career rather than joining his life fully to Anna’s.
Quick check
Why does Serpuhovskoy’s return matter to Vronsky?
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