Question 2: What is this something?
When Vronsky first meets Anna, "it was as if a surplus of something so overflowed her being that it expressed itself beyond her will..." (p. 61). What is this something? Why is it expressed beyond her will?
AK Daffodil Reading Group
Currently reading and discussing Anna Karenina, Oprah's book club selection. START AT THE BOTTOM in the right-hand column!
Daffodil Reading Schedule
| DATE | MILESTONE |
| 6/11 | Part One, Chapter XVIII-p 66 |
| 6/18 | Part One-p 115 |
| 6/25 | Part Two, Chapter XX-p 180 |
| 7/2 | Part Two-p 236 |
| 7/9 | Part Three, Chapter XVI-p 294 |
| 7/16 | Part Three-p 352 |
| 7/23 | Part Four-p 435 Halfway! |
| 7/30 | Part Five, Chapter XX-p 505 |
| 8/6 | Part Five-p 549 |
| 8/13 | Part Six, Chapter XVII-p 613 |
| 8/20 | Part Six-p 669 |
| 8/27 | Part Seven, Chapter XVIII-p 725 |
| 9/3 | Part Seven-p 768* |
| 9/10 | Finish Anna Karenina |
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2 Comments:
I've already read past this part of the book so I think I'll take a stab at this question.
At this point, I like Anna. She seems genuinely interested in her brother (Stepan/Stiva) and his wife and wants to see their marriage reconciled. She does not diminish the hurt of what he has done to Dolly but she also reminds Dolly of the political/social ramifications that a separation brings during their time in the world.
I believe that what Tolstoy is referring to in this passage is Anna's interest in life and in others. I heard a relationship coach once say that people should focus on being *interested* and not *interesting*. If you are interested in other people and give them your attention then they will see you as a caring and interesting person. If you spend your time trying to impress them with how interesting you are then you will be seen as boorish and boring.
From what I've seen, Anna is a type of person who is interested in others. She spent the entire train trip listening to Vronsky's elderly mother and genuinely enjoying her time with her. When she reaches Dolly and Stepan's home she remembers the names, ages, and birthdays of each of their children. At one point Tolstoy comments that the children are playing the game of "who sits next to the new aunt." Have you seen children do this? They will not vye for a position closeto someone who is not interested in them as a person. Children can tell very easily when someone is truly interested in them and when someone is fake.
I've not read much past this portion of the book -- I think I'm around page 70-something -- but so far everyone who has come in contact with Anna genuinely likes her and feels genuinely liked by her.
Deb,
I just finished the section you are referring to and I agree with your analysis of Anna. I also see that desire to experience the bigness of life. It's sad to see her lack of contentment with her family but when marriage/family is approached merely as a social convention it will never be the fulfilling relationship that God intends.
When I was reading today I felt that I was standing on a precipice with Anna -- I can see what's coming but cannot tell when the balance will shift and Anna's life will go tumbling down the mountain.
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