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Anna Karenina, Part 4, Chapter 8 summary

Part 4, Chapter 8 of 239 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 8, Alexey Alexandrovitch directs a delegation and authorizes his lawyer to proceed with divorce, enclosing Vronsky’s notes to Anna. When Stepan Arkadyevitch visits, his sympathy defeats Alexey Alexandrovitch’s attempt at a formal break, and he persuades him to attend dinner and consult his wife.

What happens

  1. Alexey Alexandrovitch instructs the delegation to follow a fixed program and sends guidance to Petersburg.
  2. He authorizes the lawyer to act and encloses three notes from Vronsky to Anna.
  3. Stepan Arkadyevitch visits, and Alexey Alexandrovitch announces his divorce plans and refuses dinner.
  4. Stepan Arkadyevitch insists on maintaining their friendship and urges him to consult his wife.
  5. Alexey Alexandrovitch agrees to dinner, then criticizes Count Anitchkin while Stepan Arkadyevitch praises his friendliness.
  6. Stepan Arkadyevitch leaves after confirming dinner at five without formal evening dress.

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In this chapter

AnnaVronskyAlexey AlexandrovitchStepan Arkadyevitch

What to notice

Alexey Alexandrovitch states his decision directly and expects it to end familiar relations. Stepan Arkadyevitch instead responds with distress and personal sympathy.

Quick check

What does Alexey Alexandrovitch enclose in his letter to the lawyer?

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