The Slavic Literature Pod Anna Karenina p.7
Jul 30, 2021
In this discussion, Levin navigates awkward social outings and grapples with gambling and modern art. His enchanting yet misjudged encounter with Anna reveals complex dynamics of influence. Kitty's emotional turmoil intensifies as Levin’s choices clash with her expectations. Meanwhile, Steva faces financial ruin, showcasing the contrasts between Levin’s hopeful outlook and Anna’s spiraling despair. The hosts dive into themes of moral responsibility and empathy, evaluating Tolstoy’s intentions and the fates of these intertwined lives.
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Levin's Day As Moral Experiment
- Levin's Moscow day illustrates Tolstoy's method of testing ideas across social spheres to form moral theory.
- Practical farming theory and ethical life both require attention to human particularities, not universal formulas.
Limits Of Universal Theories
- Levin rejects totalizing political-economy theories because they ignore local cultural realities.
- Tolstoy links farming practice to ethics: what works for one person or place won't for another.
Gambling And The Anna Visit
- Levin loses 40 rubles gambling at the club, showing his loosened concern for money in Moscow.
- He then impulsively visits Anna with Steva, which Kitty learns about and which sparks their argument.
