The eight parts of this novel just keep getting better and better, more entangled w action and inaction, and the characters' individual suffering and the suffering their decisions create for other characters is _deep!_ I'm already imagining my rereading of this great novel ...
This book is amazing. I've read it already so I cannot confirm nor deny it for spoiler reasons, but I absolutely LOVE the way we get your thoughts as this book moves along!
Totally agree with Krypto, I was pleasantly surprised by how much Alexei stepped forward as a character here. I don't know that he'd be my favorite, but he's definitely not among those I dislike. Which... is like. Just Vronsky? maybe? There's not many. (semi spoilers) I'd glanced at the chapter list and seen the 'DEATH' subtitle for Nikolai's chapter, but forgot when it was, so oh boy was the part 4 scare with Anna harrowing, I thought that was gonna be it.
and per your religious argument about Levin, Kitty almost says the same thing - 'he's not religious, but she could tell the virtue of his heart was equal to what someone of faith should be' (or something similar. Paraphrased.) I bet you're right that's where it's going.
I was always on team Alexei Karenina. Even though he was the epitome of Boring.He always wanted to do what was right,and to be viewed as a traditional family unit with upstanding morals, and values. His tenderness towards Anna's and Vronsky's baby( Anna Jr.) was so redeeming, and clearly showed a softer side of himself, and a crueler side of Anna. His constant forgiveness towards Anna even when she was so cruel to him...he even came to her beckon call when she summoned him with her letter saying she was near death from childbirth.How could you not have compassion, and sympathy for him ? Levin was never a favorite of mine,especially during the "Hunting" outing. He was failing at his hunting skills, had to prove his masculinity by waking up earlier and shooting more birds so he would not be viewed as less of a man.He was never sure of himself, and always questioning if he was worthy of Kitty's love. Vronsky was such a failure,he couldn't even commit suicide correctly ! He was a "Cad" that was only looking for self gratification,and pleasure ,and was never one for any permanent commitments (Romantically or Career wise). Anna realized she was a failure as a mother,and wife,and believed that Vronsky was cheating on her and took the cowards way out. A sad group of people that could never come to terms with their own lives and what their actions cost others. I loved your commentary and views on this very unhappy story.
I am going to keep count with how many "t-shirt selling jokes" you two can make in this series....I thought one was the limit. I was wrong. And of course, attributing Kierkegaard's three levels of existence to some of the characters!! 👌👌 Great discussion!😎 I have never read that "Confession" of Tolstoy's! Will have to order that tonight!
Levin gives Kitty his diary just like Tolstoy. Despicable! Liked Levin prior to this. Tolstoy did it to his wife too and this was T little bitty chance to repent.
@@TheCodeXCantina I think mirroring is one of the major themes. In real life we cannot know ourselves without the occasional and sudden mirror. Vronsky is also mirrored by a prince he accompanies and in a few internal struggles prior to the shooting he sees himself but doesn’t really repent
