anna karenina

Anna Karenina, a direct and truthful transcript of life in Russia in the early 1800's,like most of Tolstoy's other novels, were written for the enjoyment and diversion of the very type of people about whom he writes; those so rich that they had way too much time on their hands: Pre-Bolshevik Russian Lady of Leisure #1 (in French, of course):"Darling, you look absolutely ravishing. What are your plans for the day?" Lady #2: "Oh I don't know...Maybe after counting my tiaras, I'll recline on my mink couch, act dainty, and oppress the servants. When that grows tiresome, perhaps I'll read a long epic by that Tolstoy fellow to pass the time. Care to join me, dear?" Lady #1: "But that's what we do every day." Lady #2: "Of course it is! We're Pre-Bolshevik Russian Ladies of Leisure!" This book is over 800 pages long. Perhaps if I had that much time on my hands, I would have enjoyed it more. But the fact is: I didn't. I read this book for pleasure, but after the first 400 pages, I felt I was drowning in superfluity. If it weren't for the richness in scenery, I would have thrown Karenina down in defeat. Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is a respectable society women who leaves her bureaucrat husband and their only child to pursue a scandalous affa

Vronsky was not able to handle the torment of his life nor act any solutions to the awkward situation amongst Anna, Karenin, and himself, hence, he finds suicide as an easier route. Though he sees himself with much potential as a man of the military, he does not exhibit the bravery of such a man. Death is influential and weighs upon the minds of many of the characters. He cannot leave the woman he loves, and it is doubtful that he could challenge Karenin to a duel and act upon his own intentions. When Kitty attempts to restore his good health, Nikolai looks unto her with hope. They are in a place where they feel they have no alternative. It is hard to decide what choice would be the better one since living and dying, to Nikolai, both have their attractive sides, but in the end he has no choice. Death embodies hope, solution, desire, and cowardice. Tolstoy's portrayal of Kitty, who remains faithful to Levin though her love for him is not so desperate, is an interesting juxtaposition to Anna. Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy, is a saga of love, agony, and deceit. She sees herself as the source of unhappiness to Karenin, Vronsky, and herself, thus, death would be the easy solution. Her trouble would come to an end with the end of her life. Death is entirely imminent throughout the novel by several references; Anna, Vronsky, Nikolai, and Karenin refer to death as a respite, as a source of comfort, and as a solution. Karenin hopes for Anna"tms death reflects his wish for an absolution and that all would be resolved, but his wish is not one based on vengeance. Nikolai, on the other hand, faces death with both hope and hesitation.