Sergey Ivanovitch

Also known as: Koznishev · Family: Levin · Role: elder brother · First appears: PART ONE · Chapter 8

In chapter 8, Sergey Ivanovitch, also known as Koznishev, meets his younger brother Levin and asks about his farming, though Levin knows the question is mainly out of deference to him. He pays Nikolay Levin’s IOU to Trubin and sends it to him, but Nikolay Levin rejects his brothers’ assistance and asks to be left alone. In chapter 72, Sergey Ivanovitch defeats Levin in their argument over district self-government, though later he concedes, “I think you are partly right.” He accompanies or plans to accompany Levin in visiting Darya Alexandrovna.

Sergey Ivanovitch takes part in discussions of education and public affairs, addressing Karenin, Stepan Arkadyevitch, Pestsov, and Turovtsin, while in chapter 129 he jokes with Darya Dmitrievna. In chapters 158–162, he courts Varvara Andreevna, admires her, and resolves to declare his feelings, but their moment in the woods ends before what was to be said is spoken; he also says that after losing Marie, he had intended to remain faithful to her memory. Later he is particularly attentive to Darya Alexandrovna.

By chapters 183–187, Sergey Ivanovitch is connected with Nevyedovsky, Sviazhsky, Hliustov, and Snetkov in election discussions, approves a plan involving Snetkov, and does not go to dinner with Vronsky despite considering him on their side. His book is published, then ridiculed by a critical article after three months, and he throws himself into the Slavonic cause. By chapter 227, Darya Alexandrovna and her children are under his guardianship, while Levin regards himself as Sergey Ivanovitch’s steward. In chapters 222–236, he travels with Katavasov, visits Levin’s home, and speaks with him about religion, quoting Christ: “I bring not peace, but a sword.”