“Life is not a walk across a field.”
Chapter 1
Lavretsky, a middle-aged Russian nobleman, returns to his family estate after years abroad. He reflects on his failed marriage to Varvara Pavlovna, who betrayed him. The countryside evokes nostalgia, and he reconnects with old acquaintances, including his cousin Maria Dmitrievna Kalitina and her family.
Chapter 2
Lavretsky visits the Kalitins and meets Lisa, Maria’s devout and introspective daughter. Their conversations reveal Lisa’s deep moral convictions and Lavretsky’s growing admiration for her. Meanwhile, the cynical Panshin, a suitor for Lisa, displays his superficial charm, setting up a contrast between sincerity and social ambition.
Chapter 3
Lavretsky learns of his wife’s rumored death, freeing him emotionally. He begins to envision a future with Lisa, whose quiet strength captivates him. Their bond deepens during discussions about faith, duty, and Russian identity, while Panshin’s courtship of Lisa intensifies.
Chapter 4
Varvara Pavlovna unexpectedly returns, alive and unrepentant, shattering Lavretsky’s hopes. She manipulates society with her charm, seeking reconciliation for financial security. Lisa, though heartbroken, urges Lavretsky to forgive his wife, demonstrating her unwavering moral principles.
Chapter 5
Lavretsky submits to societal and familial duty, tolerating Varvara’s presence while distancing himself emotionally. Lisa enters a convent, renouncing worldly attachments. The novel closes with Lavretsky, years later, visiting the Kalitins once more—older, wiser, and resigned to solitude, yet finding solace in memories.
Key ideas
- The conflict between personal happiness and moral duty
- The decline of the Russian nobility and its cultural identity
- Romantic idealism versus harsh reality
- Spiritual redemption through suffering
- The tension between Western influence and Russian traditions
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in 19th-century Russian society and its moral dilemmas
- Those who appreciate introspective character studies and emotional depth
- Fans of classical literature exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption