Chapter 108
The Social Spin
The next day was Sunday. Stepan Arkadyevitch went to the Grand Theater to a rehearsal of the ballet, and gave Masha Tchibisova, a pretty dancing-girl whom he had just taken under his protection, the coral necklace he had promised her the evening before, and behind the scenes in the dim daylight of the theater, managed to kiss her pretty little face, radiant over her present. Besides the gift of the necklace he wanted to arrange with her about meeting after the ballet. After explaining that he could not come at the beginning of the ballet, he promised he would come…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Stiva's Sunday
List Stiva's stops in order. Beside each, note whether he gains pleasure, information, or avoidance. Circle what he never directly addresses.
Consider:
- •Include ballet, market, Levin, new chief, and Karenin appointment
- •Track the two worries he mentions at the start
- •Ask what dinner is meant to accomplish
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time you planned a gathering hoping it would smooth a conflict. Did food and company help, or only delay?
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