Chapter 12
Kitty is eighteen and this winter's success; Levin courted her open...
The young Princess Kitty Shtcherbatskaya was eighteen. It was the first winter that she had been out in the world. Her success in society had been greater than that of either of her elder sisters, and greater even than her mother had anticipated. To say nothing of the young men who danced at the Moscow balls being almost all in love with Kitty, two serious suitors had already this first winter made their appearance: Levin, and immediately after his departure, Count Vronsky. Levin’s appearance at the beginning of the winter, his frequent visits, and evident love for Kitty, had led…
Public-domain chapter text, formatted for reading.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map the Missing Rulebook
List three pieces of advice people give today about how young adults should choose partners. For each, write what fear or value it assumes, and what it fails to explain. Then note one question a parent could ask that would test seriousness without controlling the choice.
Consider:
- •Notice when advice sounds modern but still smuggles in old preferences
- •Separate status markers from behaviors that show commitment
- •Ask what proof would change the parent's mind, not just calm them
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you or someone you know wanted freedom in a decision but still needed guidance. What would have helped without taking the choice away?
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
You Might Also Like
Lessons from Anna Karenina
Theme-by-theme analyses that connect this book to modern life skills.
Balancing Passion and Responsibility
Follow Seryozha's birthday visit, Karenin's public face, and the divorce that never arrives, and count what desire costs other people.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisFinding Authentic Meaning
Walk the mowing with Levin, then sit through Kitty's imperfect household, and see a life that does not need an audience.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisManaging Jealousy
Stay with Anna as late trains and distracted looks become evidence, until she creates the distance she is trying to prevent.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisRecognizing Consuming Passion
Watch the ball, the broken mare, and the opera box, and see how a feeling that promised more life starts eating every other room in it.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisSurviving Social Judgment
Enter the opera box with Anna after the return from Italy, when the salon has already decided she is finished.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisUnderstanding Social Double Standards
Put Stiva's forgiven letter next to Anna's exile, and watch Vronsky keep his invitations while she loses the room.
6 chapters·Explore Analysis
Deep diving the literary elements.