Summary
Levin arrives at his brother Nikolai's deathbed, where he finds Kitty already there, having come to help nurse the dying man. Despite Levin's initial shock at seeing his wife in such a grim setting, he's amazed by Kitty's natural competence and calm presence. She has transformed the squalid room into something clean and peaceful, and she tends to Nikolai with a gentle efficiency that both surprises and moves Levin. Kitty seems to understand instinctively what needs to be done, while Levin feels helpless and overwhelmed by the reality of death. This chapter reveals a new side of Kitty - not the sheltered young woman Levin married, but someone capable of facing life's hardest moments with grace. Her presence brings comfort not just to the dying Nikolai, but to Levin himself, who realizes his wife possesses strengths he never knew existed. The scene highlights how crisis can reveal people's true character, and how love manifests not just in romantic moments but in acts of service during suffering. Kitty's transformation from society girl to capable caregiver shows her growth into full womanhood, while Levin learns that his assumptions about his wife's fragility were wrong. This moment deepens their marriage in ways their honeymoon period never could, as they face mortality together and Levin sees Kitty's capacity for both tenderness and strength.
Coming Up in Chapter 76
As Nikolai's condition worsens through the night, Levin and Kitty must confront the reality that death may come at any moment. The vigil tests not only their endurance but reveals how differently they each process grief and loss.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
Mashkin Upland was mown, the last row finished, the peasants had put on their coats and were gaily trudging home. Levin got on his horse and, parting regretfully from the peasants, rode homewards. On the hillside he looked back; he could not see them in the mist that had risen from the valley; he could only hear rough, good-humored voices, laughter, and the sound of clanking scythes. Sergey Ivanovitch had long ago finished dinner, and was drinking iced lemon and water in his own room, looking through the reviews and papers which he had only just received by post, when Levin rushed into the room, talking merrily, with his wet and matted hair sticking to his forehead, and his back and chest grimed and moist. “We mowed the whole meadow! Oh, it is nice, delicious! And how have you been getting on?” said Levin, completely forgetting the disagreeable conversation of the previous day. “Mercy! what do you look like!” said Sergey Ivanovitch, for the first moment looking round with some dissatisfaction. “And the door, do shut the door!” he cried. “You must have let in a dozen at least.” Sergey Ivanovitch could not endure flies, and in his own room he never opened the window except at night, and carefully kept the door shut. “Not one, on my honor. But if I have, I’ll catch them. You wouldn’t believe what a pleasure it is! How have you spent the day?” “Very well. But have you really been mowing the whole day? I expect you’re as hungry as a wolf. Kouzma has got everything ready for you.” “No, I don’t feel hungry even. I had something to eat there. But I’ll go and wash.” “Yes, go along, go along, and I’ll come to you directly,” said Sergey Ivanovitch, shaking his head as he looked at his brother. “Go along, make haste,” he added smiling, and gathering up his books, he prepared to go too. He, too, felt suddenly good-humored and disinclined to leave his brother’s side. “But what did you do while it was raining?” “Rain? Why, there was scarcely a drop. I’ll come directly. So you had a nice day too? That’s first-rate.” And Levin went off to change his clothes. Five minutes later the brothers met in the dining-room. Although it seemed to Levin that he was not hungry, and he sat down to dinner simply so as not to hurt Kouzma’s feelings, yet when he began to eat the dinner struck him as extraordinarily good. Sergey Ivanovitch watched him with a smile. “Oh, by the way, there’s a letter for you,” said he. “Kouzma, bring it down, please. And mind you shut the doors.” The letter was from Oblonsky. Levin read it aloud. Oblonsky wrote to him from Petersburg: “I have had a letter from Dolly; she’s at Ergushovo, and everything seems going wrong there. Do ride over and see her, please; help her with advice; you know all about it. She will be so glad to see...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Hidden Strength - When Crisis Reveals True Character
Crisis strips away social masks and reveals people's true character, often showing unexpected strength in those previously underestimated.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between social performance and authentic character by observing behavior during crisis.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when stress or emergency situations reveal unexpected capabilities in people around you—the quiet coworker who takes charge, the seemingly scattered friend who becomes incredibly organized under pressure.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Deathbed vigil
The practice of staying with someone who is dying, providing comfort and care in their final hours. In 19th century Russia, this was considered a sacred duty, especially for family members.
Modern Usage:
We still keep vigil in hospitals and hospices, though medical staff handle most care now.
Genteel upbringing
An education focused on social graces and refinement rather than practical skills. Upper-class women like Kitty were typically sheltered from life's harsh realities.
Modern Usage:
Think of someone raised in privilege who's never had to deal with real hardship or manual work.
Natural aptitude
An inborn ability to handle situations without formal training. Kitty shows she can nurse and comfort naturally, despite her sheltered background.
Modern Usage:
Some people are just naturally good in a crisis, even without experience.
Moral transformation
A fundamental change in character revealed through challenging circumstances. Crisis strips away pretense and shows who people really are underneath.
Modern Usage:
We see this when disasters or emergencies reveal unexpected strength or weakness in people.
Domestic sphere
The realm of home, family, and caregiving traditionally assigned to women in 19th century society. Kitty's nursing represents the highest expression of feminine virtue.
Modern Usage:
Though gender roles have changed, caregiving is still often seen as women's work in families.
Masculine helplessness
The way men, especially educated ones, often feel useless when faced with illness, death, or emotional crisis. They're trained for public life, not intimate care.
Modern Usage:
Many men today still feel awkward or helpless around sickness, crying, or emotional situations.
Characters in This Chapter
Kitty
Devoted wife and natural caregiver
She transforms from sheltered society girl into competent nurse, taking charge of Nikolai's care with surprising skill and calm. Her actions reveal hidden depths and strength.
Modern Equivalent:
The quiet person who becomes a rock during family emergencies
Levin
Overwhelmed husband and brother
He's shocked by both his brother's condition and his wife's unexpected competence. Feels helpless and realizes he underestimated Kitty's capabilities.
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who falls apart during medical crises while his partner handles everything
Nikolai
Dying brother
His deteriorating condition brings out the best in Kitty and forces Levin to confront mortality. His suffering becomes a catalyst for others' growth.
Modern Equivalent:
The family member whose illness brings everyone together and changes relationships
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Kitty was not in the least afraid or disgusted, but was evidently making an effort, controlled by some higher feeling, to do what she felt she ought to do."
Context: Describing Kitty's calm competence while nursing the dying Nikolai
This shows how love and duty can overcome natural revulsion. Kitty rises above her comfortable upbringing to do what needs doing, revealing her true character.
In Today's Words:
Kitty wasn't grossed out or scared - she just focused on what needed to be done because it was the right thing to do.
"He could not understand how she, his Kitty, could remain so calm and practical in such circumstances."
Context: Levin's amazement at his wife's transformation during the crisis
Levin realizes he married someone more capable than he knew. Crisis reveals people's hidden strengths and forces us to see loved ones in new ways.
In Today's Words:
He couldn't believe his wife was keeping it together so well when everything was falling apart.
"She seemed to know by instinct what was needed, and set about her work with quiet efficiency."
Context: Kitty taking charge of the sickroom and patient care
Some people have natural wisdom about caring for others. Kitty's instincts prove more valuable than formal training or book learning.
In Today's Words:
She just seemed to know exactly what to do without anyone telling her.
Thematic Threads
Identity
In This Chapter
Kitty's identity transforms from sheltered wife to competent caregiver when faced with Nikolai's death
Development
Earlier chapters showed Kitty conforming to social expectations; now crisis reveals her authentic self
In Your Life:
You might discover your own hidden strengths when family crisis forces you to step up in ways you never imagined.
Class
In This Chapter
Social class expectations about women's fragility are shattered by Kitty's practical competence in the sickroom
Development
Continues the theme of how class assumptions limit understanding of individual capability
In Your Life:
Others might underestimate your abilities based on your background or position rather than your actual skills.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Both Levin and Kitty grow through this crisis—she discovers her strength, he learns to see her clearly
Development
Builds on earlier themes of characters evolving beyond their initial limitations
In Your Life:
Your most significant personal growth often happens during the hardest moments of your life.
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Levin and Kitty's marriage deepens as they face mortality together and see each other's true character
Development
Contrasts with earlier superficial social relationships by showing authentic connection through shared hardship
In Your Life:
Your strongest relationships are often forged not in good times but when you face difficulties together.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What surprises Levin most about Kitty's behavior at his brother's deathbed?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do you think crisis situations often reveal people's true character rather than their everyday personality?
analysis • medium - 3
Think of someone in your life who surprised you during a difficult time. What hidden strengths did they show that you hadn't seen before?
application • medium - 4
How might recognizing this pattern of hidden strength change how you view your coworkers, family members, or friends during normal times?
application • deep - 5
What does Kitty's transformation from sheltered society girl to competent caregiver teach us about the difference between social roles and authentic character?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Circle of Hidden Strength
Think of five people in your life and write down the role they typically play (the funny one, the responsible one, the quiet one). Then imagine a crisis situation and predict what unexpected strengths each person might reveal. Consider what social masks might be hiding their true capabilities.
Consider:
- •Don't just think about dramatic crises - consider everyday emergencies like job loss or family illness
- •Remember that the loudest or most confident people aren't always the strongest under pressure
- •Consider what hidden strengths you might possess that others haven't seen yet
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you surprised yourself by handling a difficult situation better than you expected. What strengths emerged that you didn't know you had?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 76
As the story unfolds, you'll explore key events and character development in this chapter, while uncovering thematic elements and literary techniques. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.