In May 1876, Anna's tragic decision to end her life by throwing herself under a freight train reflects a significant moment in the narrative of a novel that spans more than four years. Her emotional and physical struggles are central to the story, which contrasts with the relatively shorter time frame experienced by the Lyovins, covering only three years from 1872 to 1876. This highlights the theme of time and its perception within the story.

Nabokov's exploration of time serves as a powerful example of relativity in literature. Anna's intense experience emphasizes how different characters can live through vastly differing timelines, illustrating the complexity of human experiences and the subjective nature of time itself. In this way, the narrative weaves together the fates of its characters in a compelling manner.