Anna Karenina

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In Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy presents marriage in a realistic sense, marriage is not an easy institution; couples must work through the rough patches in order for it to be strong; he also presents passion as a force that can have a positive influence, but simultaneously presents passion as a factor that can have a corrupting power on a person’s life. These two couples, Levin and Kitty and Vronsky and Anna, are compared throughout the course of the novel. Levin and Kitty differ from Anna and Vronsky because they do not communicate in the same ways. Kitty and Levin try to resolve issues as they arise, so that they do not create a bigger issue. Another difference is that Ann and Vronsky are sheltered from society because of Anna’s position as a fallen woman. Both of the couples have children, Levin and Kitty raise their child; however, Anna and Vronsky pay little attention to their daughter. Their relationships have drastic differences. Where Anna and Vronsky’s relationship is based on passion, Levin and Kitty’s is more of a spiritual one.

One of the key aspects of Kitty and Levin’s relationship, which lacks in Anna and Vronsky’s relationship, is communication. When issues arise in Levin and Kitty’s marriage, they try to resolve them by talking with each other and seeking a solution to the problem. One instance is when Levin gets the cold feet syndrome before he gets married. Levin beings to wonder, “suppose she does not love me” (pg.404). Even though it is not custom for the groom to see the bride until the wedding starts, he goes and talks to Kitty. The issue is resolved. This has set the tone of their relationship because whenever an issue comes up, they talk about it. Another instance involves Kitty seeing Vronsky for the first...

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...n a problem comes up and this causes a successful marriage. Because of Anna’s affair, she and Vronsky are not accepted by society. Children are also brought into each relationship. Kitty and Levin are very concerned parents; whereas Anna and Vronksy do not even take care of their child. Infatuation with passion can “bring about final destruction…” (Gromeka, pg.769). Passion can cause a person’s life to be completely altered, as it does with all of these characters presented. Anna’s passion for Vronsky leads to her death. By the end of the novel, Vronsky feels as if Anna is his only reason to live and because of her death commits suicide by joining the military. On the other hand, passion can present a positive influence, as it does with Kitty and Levin. They become closer and that eventually leads to their marriage, which causes them both to become confident people.

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