Anna Karenina chose to have an affair because, despite her material wealth and social status, she lacked emotional fulfillment and love in her marriage. Her husband, Karenin, treated their marriage as a duty dictated by religion and societal expectations, offering only superficial affection. This lack of genuine connection drove Anna to seek love elsewhere, ultimately leading to her affair with Vronsky.
The turning point in Anna Karenina's relationship with Vronsky occurred when Vronsky began to grow tired of their intense emotional connection. He started to avoid her and sought to return to his previous life as an officer, leaving Anna feeling abandoned and questioning his love for her. This marked the beginning of their relationship's decline.
Karenin reacted to Anna's affair by framing it as a violation of their marital and religious obligations. He offered to 'forgive' her, implying that she had committed a sin, but failed to acknowledge his own role in the emotional neglect that led to her actions. His response reinforced Anna's realization that he did not truly love her.
Tolstoy's portrayal of Anna Karenina's emotional struggles is unique because it delves deeply into the complexities of love, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment from a female perspective. His ability to articulate these nuanced emotions, particularly as a male author, demonstrates a profound understanding of human suffering and the limitations imposed by societal norms.
Levin's character in 'Anna Karenina' serves as a counterpoint to Anna's story, exploring themes of spirituality, labor, and personal growth. Through Levin, Tolstoy elevates the narrative to address universal human struggles, such as the search for meaning and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations. His journey provides a philosophical depth that complements Anna's tragic arc.
Tolstoy's depiction of Anna Karenina challenges societal norms by portraying her pursuit of love and emotional fulfillment as a legitimate, albeit tragic, endeavor. He critiques the superficiality of aristocratic marriages and the societal condemnation of women who seek autonomy and passion. Through Anna's story, Tolstoy highlights the limitations and hypocrisies of his contemporary society.