Chapter 165
Before the ladies rise the shooting party gathers at the door
Next day, before the ladies were up, the wagonette and a trap for the shooting party were at the door, and Laska, aware since early morning that they were going shooting, after much whining and darting to and fro, had sat herself down in the wagonette beside the coachman, and, disapproving of the delay, was excitedly watching the door from which the sportsmen still did not come out. The first to come out was Vassenka Veslovsky, in new high boots that reached half-way up his thick thighs, in a green blouse, with a new Russian leather cartridge-belt, and in his…
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Key Quotes & Analysis
"truly _chic_ for a sportsman to be in tatters, but to have his shooting outfit of the best quality."
Context: On Veslovsky learning from Stepan's appearance
Style through nonchalance.
In Today's Words:
The narrator says Veslovsky had no notion before that it was truly chic for a sportsman to be in tatters but to have shooting outfit of the best quality until he saw Stepan radiant in rags with perfect gun and bag. Tolstoy jokes on fashion: Oblonsky's wreck of hat and torn trousers outclass Veslovsky's new boots and English gun. Country masculinity values worn ease plus hidden excellence, not showroom gleam.
"Why, it’ll go up, and up, and come out like this.”"
Context: Insisting three added steps will fix the spoiled lodge staircase
Geometry by assertion.
In Today's Words:
The carpenter obstinately tells Levin the staircase will go up and up and come out though steps were fitted without measuring space and now slope wrong. He gestures persuasively until Levin sketches in dust with a ramrod. Tolstoy's comic interlude mirrors Sergey's mushroom deflection: confident speech divorced from reality until diagram forces surrender.
"Not to disgrace himself before a new spectator—not to be outdone by Oblonsky—that too was a thought that crossed his brain."
Context: On Levin's thoughts driving toward the marsh
Performance anxiety returns.
In Today's Words:
The narrator says Levin wondered about game and dogs but also thought not to disgrace himself before a new spectator and not to be outdone by Oblonsky. Jealousy morphs into sporting pride: same guest now watched for competence not marital threat. Tolstoy shows shame and competition sharing one nerve on a hunting morning.
"A young wife,”"
Context: Explaining Levin's delay to Veslovsky
Marital excuse as camaraderie.
In Today's Words:
When Veslovsky asks about their host Stiva smiles and says a young wife, adding she is charming and no doubt Levin ran up to her again. The knowing male shorthand turns Levin's apology trip into social comedy. Tolstoy contrasts tender marital check in with locker room ease, both true to different audiences.
Thematic Threads
Repair and pride
In This Chapter
Levin apologizes then competes as sportsman.
Development
Civility vow from bedroom becomes genuine thaw.
In Your Life:
Making up can blend tenderness with showing off.
Masculine display
In This Chapter
Chic tatters versus new gear; shooting honor.
Development
Sets up marsh accidents and envy.
In Your Life:
Group outings often mix friendship with unspoken scoring.
Domestic interruption
In This Chapter
Carpenter and herdsman delay departure.
Development
Levin still manager despite sportsman joy.
In Your Life:
Even play days begin with estate problems.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
This is not a test. Five prompts guide you through the chapter, from how it opens to how it closes, so you notice context and rhythm rather than facts to memorize. Sit with each question in your own words. When you see "One way to read it," treat it as a starting point, not the only answer.
- 1
Why does Veslovsky change his mind about sportsman dress?
analysis • surfaceOne way to read it
Seeing Stepan radiant in tatters with perfect gun and bag teaches him it is truly chic to look worn while owning the best shooting outfit quality.
- 2
What is funny about the carpenter's staircase argument?
analysis • mediumOne way to read it
He insists added steps will go up and up and come out though the fit was spoiled without measuring; Levin must sketch in dust to show impossibility.
- 3
Why does Levin run upstairs before leaving?
application • mediumOne way to read it
He asks Kitty again to forgive yesterday's idiocy, be careful near children, and send even two words tomorrow, showing repair matters as much as sport.
- 4
What does not to disgrace myself before a new spectator reveal?
application • deepOne way to read it
Jealousy has shifted to performance anxiety: he wants Veslovsky to see him as capable sportsman and not be outdone by Oblonsky.
- 5
When have you overcompensated with friendliness after misjudging someone?
reflection • deepOne way to read it
The morning after civility pattern names shame driven warmth mixed with need to impress the person you feared.
Critical Thinking Exercise
From Apology to Wagonette
Chart Levin's morning: Kitty talk, carpenter, drive thoughts. How does mood change toward Veslovsky?
Consider:
- •Include young wife
- •Include go up and come out
- •Include chic in tatters
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time you apologized then tried to prove yourself on a shared outing.
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 166
On the road to the marsh Veslovsky's gun will fire accidentally and later drive the wagonette into the mud. Stepan asks the plan of campaign; Levin outlines driving to Gvozdyov marshes for evening shooting, night there, then bigger moors tomorrow. Levin would skip small nearby marshes as cramped for three shooters, but Stiva spots reeds and Veslovsky begs to try.
