How Does Tolstoy Develop A Portrayal Of Russian Society

There are various methods of communication, and Tolstoy knows how to utilize them to create a diverse and realistic portrayal of Russian society. Direct, indirect, and internal discourses are used throughout the novel to move the plot along, explain ideas and explore concepts, and develop characters. Recognizing each type is important, since more can be said with a single look than could be said with 1,000 words, meaning that noticing each type will lead to a deeper understanding of the characters and their stories. Anna and Vronsky’s relationship makes use of every type of discourse, since they always have a lot to say to each other.
The direct discourse in this novel is not as important as the indirect dialog that occurs. However, the direct

The ambassador’s wife exclaimed at dinner, “Love match! What antediluvian ideas you have! Who talks of love nowadays?” This blatant opinion deals with the changing social ideals about love and marriages. Falling in love, marrying for love, and being truly devoted to the person you marry was a foreign concept – looked down upon by many, since it was a Western tradition, and one that few think would withstand long-term struggles of life. Marriages, such as Anna and Karenin’s, were made as power plays, to improve one’s place in society and to elevate family names to ranks of great importance. Society’s changing ideas about relationships prompt Vronsky to say, “What’s to be done? That silly old fashion hasn’t died out yet!” Obviously this is due to the fact that Vronsky is madly in love with Anna, and thus thinks that true love is always the right choice. Vronsky doesn’t want Karenin to have a chance at being with Anna, and wants her for himself, since he believes that his love is more valid since it is more passionate and emotionally fulfilling. Karenin’s love for Anna is barely marriage-deep, meaning that it is only a vow that they made to each other, and not necessarily something they need to fulfill with

Though speaking with her face to face, their turn of phrase shrouds the meanings they are trying to convey. This is especially important at this moment, since Betsy could come back any second and overhear any part of their conversation. Though most everyone knows their love affair is taking place, it would be in everyone’s best interest to keep gossip to a minimum, since Karenin is also at this dinner party. Thus, Vronsky and Anna use indirect discourse to speak to each other about their feelings. This conversation shows the pair bickering about the other’s actions, without directly referring to them in case anyone is listening. “You have behaved badly, very badly.” “But who was the cause?” “Why say that to me?” “You know why.” This conversation is deliberately vague, because neither wants the present company to know what they’re talking about. By censoring themselves, they prevent incriminating evidence from occurring and even muddle the situation for themselves, since they might not understand what the other is referring