Golenishtchev

Family: Russian · Role: writer and former Corps of Pages comrade · First appears: PART FIVE · Chapter 7

Golenishtchev is a Russian writer and a former Corps of Pages comrade of Vronsky. In chapter 131, they unexpectedly reunited and restored their friendship: “But now they beamed and exclaimed with delight on recognizing one another.” Vronsky introduced him to Anna while openly acknowledging that they were traveling together, and Golenishtchev, unmistakably admiring her, seemed to want to speak about her but could not find the right words.

In chapter 133, Vronsky came to see Golenishtchev, and Golenishtchev joined Anna and Vronsky in visiting Mihailov’s studio. When Mihailov unveiled his painting, Golenishtchev praised the characterization of Pilate, lifting Mihailov from depression into ecstatic confidence, but criticized the portrayal of Christ as “the man-god, and not the God-man,” arguing that the question raised by Ivanov’s Christ destroyed the unity of the artistic impression. By chapter 136, Anna and Vronsky exchanged glances, regretting their friend’s flow of cleverness.