"Anna Karenin" 6a

Vocabulary
morocco (732): a fine pebble-grained leather, originally made in Morocco from tanned goatskin
bailiff (734): a legal officer to whom some sort of authority or jurisdiction is granted

Literary Devices
"He felt as though he were on some unattainable height, from which he painstakingly lowered himself every now and then, so as not to hurt the feelings of the people he was talking to" (749). In this simile, Levin describes his immense joy at his wife having successfully given birth to their son. He is so ecstatic that he feels different from other people, but as to not hurt their feelings he contains himself and lowers himself to their level of happiness.
"And he began pricking up his ears an casting around, and towards the end of the winter he heard of a very good post and began an attack on it, first from Moscow through uncles, aunts, and friends, and then in the spring, when matters had matured, he himself went to Petersburg" (752). This metaphor, describing the process used by Oblonsky to secure a government post for himself, makes it seem truly like a campaign, as his relatives begin the "attack on it". This military characterization emphasizes the importance of him winning this post, for himself and his family.
"... Oblonsky, touching Karenin's hand this time, as if he were sure the physical contact would soften his brother-in-law" (757). This simile talks of how Oblonsky is confident in all social matters, even ones as delicate as extracting a divorce for his sister from her husband after she ran away from him. He touches his hand confidently, as one who is sure that his brother in law can be softened and will be by his charm.

Quote
"But the Moscow significance of the word 'honest was lost on Karenin. 'Honesty is only a negative quality,' he said" (755). The section of Oblonsky's plea to Karenin leaves the reader rather confused about who is right and who is wrong here. Karenin is obviously holding a grudge by not allowing the divorce to go through, but Anna hurt him badly and he feels so hurt it is no wonder. He behaved nicely before, immediately after she left him, so perhaps he is within his rights to not present her with this option now, as she refused it earlier. However, the reader knows the negative affect that this withholding of the divorce is having upon the relationship between Anna and Vronsky, and one wishes that he would just accept that she is gone from his life forever and let her go. However, Anna is being rather silly as well, holding onto the idea of her son although she has already let him go.

Theme
Expectations can never live up to reality.