I'm about 20 pages short of finishing Anna Karenina and it's really hard to go on. So as not to spoil anything I have to be really vague.
Towards the end of the book, a Big Event happens that is pretty depressing. It's an inevitable end to an inescapable spiral. But right after that, we go to another character's viewpoint whose situation is the direct opposite of the Tragic Figure. Their storyline runs parallel to the Tragic Figure's and presents a direct contrast in situations. However their feelings are the same. That is, they're also dwelling in the pits of despair.
Bottom line, in the words of Bart Simpson: You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.
At least that's the feeling I get right now. It's utterly depressing, especially since it's related to love and relationships. But I have to get through it because I need to know if Tolstoy is really sending that message. I may have to get some Cliff Notes.
If anyone has read this book and has anything to share that will enlighten (and comfort) me, I'd much appreciate it.
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My future husband better like Korean food 'cause I just made some kimchee soup and DAMN does it smell funky... but in a good way that is making me drool.