Anna Karenina, considered by many critics to be Tolstoy's finest achievement, is one of the most important novels of the nineteenth century. Tolstoy imbues the simple tale of a love affair with rich portraits of Russian high society, politics, and religion.

As the book opens, Prince Stephen Oblonsky, known as Stiva, is arguing with his wife, Dolly: he has had an affair with their children's governess, and she is threatening to leave him. He is happy that his sister, Anna Karenina, will be coming the next day to visit and smooth things over between himself and Dolly. Anna is married to a distinguished official in St. Petersburg, and moves in the highest circles of Russian Society with the reputation of a charming woman.

That same day, Oblonsky…

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• Anna Karenina Summary
• About Anna Karenina
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Part One
• Summary and Analysis of Part Two
• Summary and Analysis of Part Three
• Summary and Analysis of Part Four
• Summary and Analysis of Part Five
• Summary and Analysis of Part Six
• Summary and Analysis of Part Seven
• Summary and Analysis of Part Eight
• Related Links on Anna Karenina
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Anna Karenina: Major Themes
• Anna Karenina: Essays
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• Anna Karenina: Questions
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• Leo Tolstoy: Biography