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Anna Karenina, Part 7, Chapter 14 summary

Part 7, Chapter 14 of 239 · 9 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 14, Levin struggles to obtain medicine and bring the doctor to Kitty, whose prolonged suffering overwhelms his efforts to remain calm and useful. As the hours pass without relief, he loses his sense of time, recalls Nikolay’s deathbed, and turns repeatedly to God despite his estrangement from religion.

What happens

  1. Finding the doctor asleep, Levin decides to send Kouzma for another doctor and goes himself to obtain opium.
  2. Levin obtains the medicine, pays the footman to wake the doctor, and presses the unhurried doctor to come.
  3. Returning home alongside the princess, Levin hears Lizaveta Petrovna report that Kitty is doing well.
  4. Kitty’s suffering continues beyond the five hours Levin prepares himself to endure, and his sense of time collapses.
  5. Levin performs household tasks, recalls Nikolay’s deathbed, and alternates between temporary distraction and anguish beside Kitty.
  6. Unable to relieve Kitty’s pain, Levin repeatedly prays, briefly blames God, and immediately begs forgiveness.

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In this chapter

LevinKitty

What to notice

The sentence captures Levin’s conflicting impulses. Kitty’s suffering terrifies him, yet his concern draws him back to her.

Quick check

What does Levin place at Kitty’s head?

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