zemstvo (38): elected local assemblies in Russia, established in 1864 by tsar Alexander II to replace the political authority of nobles in local affairs after the emancipation of the serfs; these bodies became the core of the revolutions from 1905 to 1917
turbot (46): a European flatfish with a diamond shaped body valued as a fish for eating
Figurative Language
"And indeed, no sooner had he uttered the words than all at once, like the sun going behind a cloud, her face lost all its friendliness and Levin recognized the familiar change in her expression that denoted the working of a thought: a wrinkle appeared on her smooth brow" (43). This simile describes the change in Kitty's face when he begins to hint at his intentions in marrying her. The phrase "the familiar change in her expression that denoted the working of a thought" might lead the reader to think that she is simply surprised by his offer, but the simile of a "a sun going behind a cloud" has a definite negative connotation and helps the reader better understand the feelings of the situation.
"They play at begin a parliament, and I am neither young enough nor old enough to amuse myself with toys" (31). In this metaphor, Levin relates the acts of the men in the zemstvo to men with playthings, mocking their acts and describing his disgust of the councils. He feels that they do not take the post seriously and are not using it to it full power, much like young children with toys.
"Moving in a certain circle where a desire for some form of mental activity was a part of maturity, he was obliged to hold views in the same way as he was obliged to wear a hat" (10). This simile compares, in the circle of Oblonsky, how it is necessary for one to hold views on different subjects, but only in a superficial way, simply for the purpose of holding vies, much as one would wear a hat without really needing it.
Quote
"But the difference lay in the fact that Oblonsky, as he was doing the same thing as everyone else, laughed with confident good humor, while Levin, not feeling so sure of himself now and then got angry" (30). This is an interesting idea, that not feeling sure of oneself can make one angry, as well as a way of judging life: is it really what you do or the attitude you live with?
Theme
Life in Russia was full of forced situations: because of the time, the fashion, and also inherently the people.
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