Is it really a symbol of modernity and liberal attitudes? In the book it’s quite clear that infidelity is an accepted part of aristocratic life for centuries in Russia. So how does “modernity” become the issue? If anything it is the conservative attitudes that are questioned in the novel.
_I must admit, I hadn't heard of "Anna Karenina" as a young adult in the 70s, but I loved movies and I remember it being mentioned in the 1940's Shop Around the Corner I watched on cable back in the late 80s. Then it was also mentioned in the 1998 remake, You've Got Mail. To be honest, I opted for the 2012-2013, 2 Part Mini Series shown on RUclips in 2020. 😇The story is fascinating, heartbreaking and then inspiring. For me, it was a lesson of why we should not go through life never knowing ourself or how and why we truly matter to those around us. In the mini series, it was the final monologue ~ "We don't need to live for our needs, our passions, for our desires. We need to live for good, for truth, for that mysterious God that all things depend on. And that perhaps is why all happy families are alike, because deep down, happiness is the same for everyone". These final words couldn't help but offer Hope_
I’m currently reading this book, I have nothing more or even equally profound to add to the profundity of the themes discussed in this episode, as I’m only about a quarter of the way through it. I just want to add that this book is thus far extraordinary well written. Beautiful and masterful, even. I highly recommend it to lovers of literature. Beginners, veterans, and everything in between.
Read it back in high school, and found it confusing considering the respectable character wasn't the main character. Read it again a few years ago after my marriage failed...and had a far more profound understanding and respect for Aleksei, Konstantin, and Kitty.
I think this book is so dated that I really don't like Aleksei, Kitty or Konstantin, sorry, but that's my opinion. I cannot related to any of these people, I still say that War and Peace is way superior to this.
It is naïve of Ms. Stepman to suggest that Anna's feelings for Vronsky are not "lustful flirtation" but are instead "serious love" (9:10). The outcomes of their relationship and of her life prove that her feelings were never noble but instead always self-serving and ultimately self-destructive.
I hated “Anna Karenina” so much when I read it that I would have pushed her in front of that train if she hadn’t jumped herself. After watching this analysis, I’m thinking I might need to reread it. I’m not sure you’ve done me any favor.
The russian authors are my favorite. Can i get book clubs on the following books: master and margharita, one day in the life of ivan denisovich, gulag archipelago, and crime and punishment. I need jordan peterson for the last one. Also can i get one on the satanic verses by rushdie. Bloody brilliant novel
One of my favorite books of all time. It’s a shame that no one has produced a worthy film adaptation. Especially since it so clearly has a through line that lends itself to adaptation.
My favorite actress - Kareena Kapoor was named after her mother read this book during her pregnancy (Karenina -> Kareena) and that's how I found out about this book.
I heard so many times about Anna Karenina growing up, but unfortunately I haven’t read the book. Now that I want to read it, I didn’t like the fact that Michael told that Anna killed herself at the end. Bummer!
Can the Book Club come up with reading suggestions for teens? I can find good reading for my younger kids but when it comes to clean reading that contains life lessons it's hard to know where to start. Things like To Build a Fire by Jack London but not so juvenile like Swiss Family Robinson but not so mature like 1984.
Thank you for this analysis! I started reading this book a few years ago and got bogged down in a discussion of 19th century Russian farming methods that occurs about two-thirds of the way through the book. I never picked it back up again. I would NOT say this is an easy read. I also don't like how much of the inner thoughts he includes because the characters are constantly waffling and changing their minds. However, I do enjoy the over-arching themes. I've been watching a 1970's BBC miniseries based on the book on Amazon Prime, which got me interested again.
When Anna arrives at the train station and meets Vronsky for the first time, she says the death at the station was a bad omen. But her remarks are ignored by her brother
Levin's feelings towards his son are a typical male reaction. Guys tend to be underwhelmed by babies when they are newborn and find them kinda boring. They start warming up when the baby is around 5-6 mo. and start developing a personality.
Thanks for the instant end spoiler... I'd read the first few chapters and wanted to hear what you'd say about it and this lady went 0-60 in spoiling the ultimate fate of the titular character. FFS.
I kind of disagree, I think that Anna IS lustful. She’s shown selfishness and choosing the supposed love of her life over her children and in return Vronsky’s love is selfish as well. If it pains her to leave the child why allow it to happen if you love her so much? Although it doesn’t seem she cared about the children regardless. What would the future have looked like if it were just the two of them? No children? Including the children she’s already had? Seems depressing. They may have loved each other but there was definitely lust especially how quickly it seemed they fell for one another. Also I love Knowles but don’t like this conservative take on the novel, it’s drawn out too much considering this is pre-revolutionary Russia.
I am ticked off!! I was curious about what kind of channel this is, I have this book, just bought it and duper excited about reading it, and you did not disclose you had spoilers at the beginning of this. and just told what happened at the end!!!!! UNBELIEVABLY!!!!!
Prageru is a channel that focuses on the extermination of gay people. And apparently spoilers. That being said, the book is not ruined for you. Each page is a pleasure to read.
It is called a book club. They are discussing the book and what happens in the book, this generally takes place after the book has been read. What would you like them to discuss instead, the front cover?
When you talk about how their affair would have been more accepted if they had been dishonest about it. Is Tolstoy showing that, whether we choose a moral or immoral life, we cannot do anything by halves? It is all or nothing.
Now I have to read another very long book. Incidentally, Tolstoy was a Georgist and an opponent of socialism. I'll have to pay particular attention to the reformers Micheal described, as his description of them sounds like they are more or less Marxist.
Honestly I did not like this book. I hated the heroine, hated the foil character, hated the foil character's wife, hated Anna's husband, hated Anna's love interest, hated Anna's brother, hated Dolly, and yes, everyone else too! Its a book that was written during the patriarchy of the Russian Empire and written by an adulterous man named Tolstoy. Oh and, supposedly Tolstoy's courtship of his wife, was the basis for Levin and Kitty's courtship. War and Peace is way better and the characters for me personally are way more relatable.
Yes, in the times of the patriarchy they had no respect for women! Men are so much more dignified and honorable today. Yes, we have morals today. We don’t cheat these days, we just call it “polyamorous”, or simply not marry anyone, replace partner every couple of years, raise kids without their fathers. We have apps like tinder and hinge, you don’t even need to know his name. Women walking around naked screaming “believe all women”, We have drugs to dull any emotion, a weekly meeting with the mental health professionals, and shopping. Thank you feminism for your contribution to the eradication of decency.
We are not able to live up to Christ’s example and so therefore we have to deal with what happens with our best intentions to the shit storm that occurs afterwards.
while i do agree with some points knowles makes and much of what inez says, it really feels like knowles understanding of the book is a bit lacking. he understands the points that agree with his presuppositions, but fails to see everything else and the complexity of things. there's a reason tolstoy initially wrote the book with much judgement for the characters and then later decided to not place any judgement on them from the authors perspective. particularly anna and levin's character he seems to not fully grasp. his takes on the characters seem quite reductive when considering the amazing complexity with which tolstoy writes them.
How come you are not speaking about a novel with exactly the same plot: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin? Tolstoy was notorious for copying Austin's characters. It's a pity that a really good and original novel gets forgotten. Also, it's not Levin (a Jewish last name), but Lyovin (Russian letter ë is read as yoh, although it looks like e).
@@ydj8081 that and the vivid characters and milieux. The vast social panorama etc. Tolstoy’s ability to track character psychology is unmatched. If Life could write it would write like Tolstoy as the saying goes.
His comments regarding Anna seemed imprecise throughout the show and became tedious at times. His guest appeared quizzical several times but quite professionally, did not pursue.
Not the video, the actual book. In many ways, the writing is genius level. It really creates a picture in the mind of how life was like in that era and area. I just couldn't stand how much overthinking the characters did. everyone is an unskilled communicator. Vronsky is a cad. I agree with the commenter who was ready to kick Anna in front of the train before she did it herself.
I didn’t realize this was a Prager U video at first. I love AK, but only these weirdos could twist it into some traditionalist fallacy BS. Sure enough, by the end, that’s what happened.
Trains as a symbol of modernity is such a strong and moving theme that Tolstoy portrays. Thank you Knowlestredamus for pointing that out!
clever...he should don that...
@phoebecaulfield4062 thank you for the referral, I haven't read enough Dickens!
Is it really a symbol of modernity and liberal attitudes? In the book it’s quite clear that infidelity is an accepted part of aristocratic life for centuries in Russia. So how does “modernity” become the issue?
If anything it is the conservative attitudes that are questioned in the novel.
_I must admit, I hadn't heard of "Anna Karenina" as a young adult in the 70s, but I loved movies and I remember it being mentioned in the 1940's Shop Around the Corner I watched on cable back in the late 80s. Then it was also mentioned in the 1998 remake, You've Got Mail. To be honest, I opted for the 2012-2013, 2 Part Mini Series shown on RUclips in 2020. 😇The story is fascinating, heartbreaking and then inspiring. For me, it was a lesson of why we should not go through life never knowing ourself or how and why we truly matter to those around us. In the mini series, it was the final monologue ~ "We don't need to live for our needs, our passions, for our desires. We need to live for good, for truth, for that mysterious God that all things depend on. And that perhaps is why all happy families are alike, because deep down, happiness is the same for everyone". These final words couldn't help but offer Hope_
Just finished the book yesterday, impeccable timing.
Me too, just finished yesterday. Haha.
Just finished today
I’m currently reading this book, I have nothing more or even equally profound to add to the profundity of the themes discussed in this episode, as I’m only about a quarter of the way through it. I just want to add that this book is thus far extraordinary well written. Beautiful and masterful, even. I highly recommend it to lovers of literature. Beginners, veterans, and everything in between.
This is such a profound episode. Thank you for making this.
Excellent show! Thank You.
Just finished the book. So glad I found this video to help me reflect on it. Excellent conversation and review!
Thanks
Now I have to reread it. It’s been about ten years. Thanks, guys. SOO many books I want to reread! Life it too short.
What a great conversation!
This was such a great deep dive. 😍📖
Read it back in high school, and found it confusing considering the respectable character wasn't the main character. Read it again a few years ago after my marriage failed...and had a far more profound understanding and respect for Aleksei, Konstantin, and Kitty.
I think this book is so dated that I really don't like Aleksei, Kitty or Konstantin, sorry, but that's my opinion. I cannot related to any of these people, I still say that War and Peace is way superior to this.
The quote about travel is from Emerson. That is one of my favorite quotes of his!
I would love for you all to discuss “ideas have consequences” by Richard Weaver. I’m finishing it now. It is an insightful work for the 20th century.
It is naïve of Ms. Stepman to suggest that Anna's feelings for Vronsky are not "lustful flirtation" but are instead "serious love" (9:10). The outcomes of their relationship and of her life prove that her feelings were never noble but instead always self-serving and ultimately self-destructive.
I hated “Anna Karenina” so much when I read it that I would have pushed her in front of that train if she hadn’t jumped herself. After watching this analysis, I’m thinking I might need to reread it. I’m not sure you’ve done me any favor.
Just push someone in front of a real train and get it out of your system. Then, read the book.
Soundslike you hated the character (not the novel as a whole).
Same
Agree. I found it hard to empathize with her.
That’s a strange thing to say out loud.
Gracious guest
"Everybody knows" --- actually, no. I didn't. Warn about spoilers, please.
May I suggest that you also discuss Flaubert's "Madame Bovary" and Herman Hesse's "Narcissus and Goldmund"? 🙏 Thank you.
@Sinful Bastard Child I have read them, I am interested in a discussion about them by this Book Club.
Tolstoy was inspired by Madame Bovary
that was awesome! Now i'm gonna read it.. I chose War and Peace over that one so maybe we can cris cross 😮
God is love, God is just. Love without law is impossible. Obedience to Torah IS love.
The russian authors are my favorite. Can i get book clubs on the following books: master and margharita, one day in the life of ivan denisovich, gulag archipelago, and crime and punishment. I need jordan peterson for the last one. Also can i get one on the satanic verses by rushdie. Bloody brilliant novel
Great analysis
One of my favorite books of all time. It’s a shame that no one has produced a worthy film adaptation. Especially since it so clearly has a through line that lends itself to adaptation.
“Could you summarise this book for people who haven’t read it?”
“Sure, let me spoil the ending for you right away.”
Great. Thanks
😂 I thought the same thing.
My favorite actress - Kareena Kapoor was named after her mother read this book during her pregnancy (Karenina -> Kareena) and that's how I found out about this book.
That’s a very silly reason. Why would you name your child after an adulteress who offs herself?
Babita Kapoor was never known for her smarts.
I heard so many times about Anna Karenina growing up, but unfortunately I haven’t read the book. Now that I want to read it, I didn’t like the fact that Michael told that Anna killed herself at the end. Bummer!
Can the Book Club come up with reading suggestions for teens? I can find good reading for my younger kids but when it comes to clean reading that contains life lessons it's hard to know where to start. Things like To Build a Fire by Jack London but not so juvenile like Swiss Family Robinson but not so mature like 1984.
Thank you for this analysis! I started reading this book a few years ago and got bogged down in a discussion of 19th century Russian farming methods that occurs about two-thirds of the way through the book. I never picked it back up again. I would NOT say this is an easy read. I also don't like how much of the inner thoughts he includes because the characters are constantly waffling and changing their minds. However, I do enjoy the over-arching themes. I've been watching a 1970's BBC miniseries based on the book on Amazon Prime, which got me interested again.
When Anna arrives at the train station and meets Vronsky for the first time, she says the death at the station was a bad omen. But her remarks are ignored by her brother
Ugh Michel you should talk about “The house of Mirth” it’s has such social relevance for today!
I love Tolstoy
Me too. I was named after a Tolstoy character.
Just finished it.
Levin's feelings towards his son are a typical male reaction. Guys tend to be underwhelmed by babies when they are newborn and find them kinda boring. They start warming up when the baby is around 5-6 mo. and start developing a personality.
Thanks for the instant end spoiler... I'd read the first few chapters and wanted to hear what you'd say about it and this lady went 0-60 in spoiling the ultimate fate of the titular character. FFS.
Haven’t read it yet but I think I am Anna … 😞
Man her thoughts in the last few seconds.....the realization of how she had gone too far and the regret hurt man
I kind of disagree, I think that Anna IS lustful. She’s shown selfishness and choosing the supposed love of her life over her children and in return Vronsky’s love is selfish as well. If it pains her to leave the child why allow it to happen if you love her so much? Although it doesn’t seem she cared about the children regardless. What would the future have looked like if it were just the two of them? No children? Including the children she’s already had? Seems depressing. They may have loved each other but there was definitely lust especially how quickly it seemed they fell for one another. Also I love Knowles but don’t like this conservative take on the novel, it’s drawn out too much considering this is pre-revolutionary Russia.
In a similar vein I can recommend the books "Hadji Murat" by Leo Tolstoy and "Death and the Dervish" by Mese Selimovic.
I am ticked off!! I was curious about what kind of channel this is, I have this book, just bought it and duper excited about reading it, and you did not disclose you had spoilers at the beginning of this. and just told what happened at the end!!!!! UNBELIEVABLY!!!!!
Prageru is a channel that focuses on the extermination of gay people. And apparently spoilers.
That being said, the book is not ruined for you. Each page is a pleasure to read.
I mean the translator in my copy also gave it away in the books opening but still a very good read
It is called a book club. They are discussing the book and what happens in the book, this generally takes place after the book has been read. What would you like them to discuss instead, the front cover?
When you talk about how their affair would have been more accepted if they had been dishonest about it. Is Tolstoy showing that, whether we choose a moral or immoral life, we cannot do anything by halves? It is all or nothing.
«And they know how it ends..» So now I know. Just when I have started it….
Faulkner's 3 favorite novels...bad math, great line...
Everything I know about Anna Karenina I learned from Peanuts.
Now I have to read another very long book. Incidentally, Tolstoy was a Georgist and an opponent of socialism. I'll have to pay particular attention to the reformers Micheal described, as his description of them sounds like they are more or less Marxist.
Honestly I did not like this book. I hated the heroine, hated the foil character, hated the foil character's wife, hated Anna's husband, hated Anna's love interest, hated Anna's brother, hated Dolly, and yes, everyone else too! Its a book that was written during the patriarchy of the Russian Empire and written by an adulterous man named Tolstoy. Oh and, supposedly Tolstoy's courtship of his wife, was the basis for Levin and Kitty's courtship. War and Peace is way better and the characters for me personally are way more relatable.
Yes, in the times of the patriarchy they had no respect for women! Men are so much more dignified and honorable today. Yes, we have morals today.
We don’t cheat these days, we just call it “polyamorous”, or simply not marry anyone, replace partner every couple of years, raise kids without their fathers. We have apps like tinder and hinge, you don’t even need to know his name. Women walking around naked screaming “believe all women”, We have drugs to dull any emotion, a weekly meeting with the mental health professionals, and shopping. Thank you feminism for your contribution to the eradication of decency.
You don't have to like the characters to like the novel as a whole do you?
Inez is awesome! I have a new crush...😄
I though Anna was unable to take her child for the same reason Kate in Godfather II lost then to Michael...
Everyone is my university Russian Lit. class took the side of Anna. Im glad im not the only one who disagrees
Proof that reading does not mean understanding.
We are not able to live up to Christ’s example and so therefore we have to deal with what happens with our best intentions to the shit storm that occurs afterwards.
while i do agree with some points knowles makes and much of what inez says, it really feels like knowles understanding of the book is a bit lacking. he understands the points that agree with his presuppositions, but fails to see everything else and the complexity of things. there's a reason tolstoy initially wrote the book with much judgement for the characters and then later decided to not place any judgement on them from the authors perspective. particularly anna and levin's character he seems to not fully grasp. his takes on the characters seem quite reductive when considering the amazing complexity with which tolstoy writes them.
The Catholic in Michael Knowles couldn't just let slide the idea that the so-called love decoupled with virtue is sort of excusable haha
How come you are not speaking about a novel with exactly the same plot: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin? Tolstoy was notorious for copying Austin's characters. It's a pity that a really good and original novel gets forgotten. Also, it's not Levin (a Jewish last name), but Lyovin (Russian letter ë is read as yoh, although it looks like e).
um..i think its levin...or it wouldve had two dots above it.
@@sergeyperetyatko6520 nope. In the original it is Лёвин. Look on Wikipedia.
S&S is probably Austen’s worst novel. Anna Karenina is a candidate for greatest novel of all time.
@@Tolstoy111 yah, the scene of Anna's death is the only original piece in it. You have a nice taste of greatness.
@@ydj8081 that and the vivid characters and milieux. The vast social panorama etc. Tolstoy’s ability to track character psychology is unmatched. If Life could write it would write like Tolstoy as the saying goes.
4th, 18 October 2022
His comments regarding Anna seemed imprecise throughout the show and became tedious at times. His guest appeared quizzical several times but quite professionally, did not pursue.
I laugh always at conservatives who are praising Leftists, socialists and anarchists
Intellectual honesty is inconceivable to you?
this video was so disappointing - coded or rather coated in misogyny and a flat reading of a dynamic and perspective shifting epic.
Ugh. Just ugh.
What's your objection?
Not the video, the actual book. In many ways, the writing is genius level. It really creates a picture in the mind of how life was like in that era and area. I just couldn't stand how much overthinking the characters did. everyone is an unskilled communicator. Vronsky is a cad. I agree with the commenter who was ready to kick Anna in front of the train before she did it herself.
@@paullatta well Tolstoy was the great psychologist of character.
A preppie in costume and "mind". Put on some socks, for ....'s sake.
I think Anna's husband was a bit on the spectrum.
I didn’t realize this was a Prager U video at first. I love AK, but only these weirdos could twist it into some traditionalist fallacy BS. Sure enough, by the end, that’s what happened.
You may not actually understand Anna Karenina. It's always been a conservative book.
Oh conservatives are trying to understand classical literature 😅😅
Michael Knowles is a classically trained intellectual. He’s done translations of Italian lit.
Boo books
Tolstoy!