My initial post HERE
My post for Discussion Week 1
PART THREE AND FOUR
It still is not my favorite book of all time, however I will admit, it has gotten a smidge better. I guess as soon as Anna was honest about her infidelities, I felt better about reading it. Then the story changed focus and got more interesting for me. It's sad for me to admit, but, I'd rather read about someone on their deathbed than someone on their lovebed. Especially when cheating is involved.
I really have to say I enjoy Levin a whole lot! I think he's a top lad and am so happy he finally got the girl! I found myself wondering if she deserved him after it all.... but that remains to be seen. I think the fact Levin gets his hands dirty and works with the "peasants" is endearing. I really enjoy the relationship he has with the old man too. It's part of how I came to realize my respect for Levin's character. And he is certainly my favorite so far.
I don't dislike Karenin like I did either. And quite frankly, it wasn't until the end of part four that I really said, "Ok, he's not that bad." I don't think he should ever stick to the idea of taking her son from her. That's so malicious it's sickening. It would also make him as despicable as her in my book.
I can't respect a character like Vronsky. He not only ruined someone's marriage with his own selfish desires, he then decided it was smart to shoot himself and end it all. When that didn't work, he certainly looked like the boob he seems to be. Then again Anna is just as stupid and selfish as him. Maybe they are made to match!
Well, we'll see how I feel next week, but by golly I am not impressed with the same characters still, only now for more than the previous reasons. Thankfully I enjoy the others to keep a faint but growing interest.
Levin is admirable in these parts of the novel especially when he went out of his way to help his workers mow the fields. Karenin has his good points here as well although his attitude towards his son irks me. as for our two lovers, well, they're a match not made in heaven for sure. they both deserve and not deserve each other.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how our feelings can change for these characters.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering about setting, society, and time and how those things come into play with Karenin taking the child. Although I know that there is some sense of revenge in Karenin, I also can not imagine sending my children off with my spouse and his lover. Nope. Wouldn't happen.
I agree that Anna and Vronsky are a match. They are both incredibly selfish.
I liked Karenin better once he started expressing emotions. Then it was easier to understand his actions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Levin. I really enjoy his character, and I am glad in the end he got the girl...I just worry about the pedestal he is placing her on.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I guess it does take a while to get into the book. It grows on you :) Glad to hear it's picking up!
ReplyDeleteThere was also that part where Vronsky's "love" for Anna cools... ugh, he only wanted her because she was playing hard to get, to begin with :p
ReplyDeleteYou can see how highly I think of both Vronsky & Anna.