"Anna Karenina" is a novel that intertwines the lives of several characters in 19th century Russia, focusing on themes of love, infidelity, and the struggles of societal norms. The story primarily revolves around Anna, a beautiful and married woman, who encounters Count Vronsky, sparking a passionate affair that defies the conventions of their society. Their relationship ultimately leads to personal turmoil and tragic consequences, illustrating the conflict between desire and societal expectations.
Alongside Anna's narrative, the novel also explores the life of Konstantin Levin, a landowner who grapples with his own existential questions about happiness, the meaning of life, and love. His journey contrasts with Anna's, providing a deeper philosophical context to the themes of love and fulfillment within the story. Through Levin, Tolstoy examines the rural landscape of Russia and the complexities of agrarian life.